Skip to content
OurVote2022logo
mindanews-fact-check-logo-1
  • Business
  • Peace Process
  • Governance
  • Travel
  • Arts & Culture
  • Special Reports
  • Mindaviews
  • Pictures
Menu
  • Business
  • Peace Process
  • Governance
  • Travel
  • Arts & Culture
  • Special Reports
  • Mindaviews
  • Pictures

North Cotabato officials clash on choice of isolation facility for Covid-19 PUIs

  • Malu Cadelina-Manar

-

  • April 3, 2020
Share this story
Town hall of President Roxas in North Cotabato. MindaNews file photo by TOTO LOZANO

KIDAPAWAN CITY (MindaNews / 3 April) – Officials of President Roxas town in North Cotabato have expressed opposition to the plan of the provincial government to use the town’s community hospital as an isolation facility for persons under investigation in case the provincial hospital could no longer accommodate them.

At the center of the controversy is the President Roxas Provincial Community Hospital in Barangay New Cebu, where some residents and officials placed placards on April 1 expressing their opposition to the plan.

President Roxas Mayor Jonathan Mahimpit said he was not informed earlier of the plan and was just as surprised as everyone in his town when told about it.

On April 1, the Sangguniang Bayan passed Resolution Number 2020-119 opposing the plan, saying it would make the town susceptible to the virus because neighboring provinces already have confirmed cases.

It added that since the hospital is near the residential area of New Cebu, the plan ccaused “panic and disturbance among the residents.”

It also claimed there no prior coordination happened between the municipal government and the provincial government regarding the establishment of an isolation facility.

It said the plan will negate preemptive measures for the safety and well-being of the people of President Roxas.

Mahimpit said they retracted their earlier opinion on the matter after Governor Nancy Catamco agreed to listen to their plea.

The operations manager of North Cotabato’s task force on Covid-19 claimed the local government of the municipality of President Roxas could not hinder the provincial government from using its community hospital as isolation facility for persons under investigation (PUIs).

But provincial board member Dr. Philbert Malaluan maintained the plan to use the community hospital as an isolation facility stands.

Malaluan, also the manager of the Emergency Operations Center of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Covid-19, said this is so because the hospital is funded by the provincial government.

“The facility is owned by the provincial government. But of course, we do respect peoples’ opinion,” he said.

He said that anytime next week officials from the Department of Health in Region 12 will visit the hospital to assess its needs as one of the three possible isolation facilities in the province.

Malaluan, however, clarified that the plan to use the hospital as an isolation facility would only push through if the Cotabato Provincial Hospital could no longer accommodate more PUIs.

“Pag nagkulang na ang mga beds (If there are no more beds available), then, that’s the time we will use other facilities like the community hospital,” he said.

He said he was saddened that some barangay officials instigated residents to hold a rally outside the hospital.

“This is for the safety of everyone. We are not doing this to make life difficult for you. I know what you, barangay officials, did was just too petty, but please, cooperate with the government,” he said. (Malu Cadeliña-Manar/MindaNews)

Your perspective matters! Leave a comment below and let us know what you think. We welcome diverse viewpoints and encourage respectful discussions. Don't hesitate to share your ideas or engage with others.
Advertisement
Rakrakan
Follow us on Facebook
Facebook
The MindaNews Podcast
-- ad here--

TOP STORIES

14 y/o student caught carrying unlicensed gun in North Cotabato

Mindanews September 25, 2023 6:56 pm

FACT CHECK: Sara Duterte did not blame rallies for 2-M slump in enrollment

Fact Check September 25, 2023 5:48 pm

NorMin produces less amid increase in coffee bean production nationwide

Froilan Gallardo September 23, 2023 10:19 am

Approval, trust ratings of Bongbong, Sara down – PUBLiCUS Asia survey

H. Marcos C. Mordeno September 22, 2023 2:46 pm

2 ride-hailing companies awaiting endorsement from Davao City Council

Miah Christine Bontilao September 22, 2023 2:21 pm

MINDAVIEWS

TURNING POINT: The Toothless Price Cap

William R. Adan September 19, 2023 10:39 am

UNDERSTANDING OUR HERITAGE (2): The Hindu-Buddist influences in our culture

Greg Hontiveros September 17, 2023 4:21 pm

TAUSUG IN DOHA: Always opt for the Best

Gamson Jr Mawallil Quijano September 17, 2023 2:52 pm
Read more MINDAVIEWS

BUSINESS NEWS

18 homegrown cafés joining Davao Coffee Crawl

Antonio L. Colina IV September 20, 2023 3:12 pm

25 delegates from Mindanao to join international expo in Sabah

Antonio L. Colina IV September 13, 2023 2:00 pm

Senator Villar cites EU’s GSP+ during tuna congress

Bong S. Sarmiento September 7, 2023 5:21 pm

Davao Region’s inflation rate lowest in Mindanao

Antonio L. Colina IV September 5, 2023 9:53 pm

Japanese firm looking for more suppliers of coconut-based food products

Mindanews August 31, 2023 2:35 pm

95 exhibitors to join Davao Agri Trade Expo

Antonio L. Colina IV August 23, 2023 5:48 pm

ARTS & CULTURE

Sarangani writers showcase literary works in Philippine Book Festival

Genory Vanz Alfasain August 27, 2023 4:11 pm

INTERACTIVE MAP | Cagayan de Oro Higalaay Festival 2023

Yas D. Ocampo August 25, 2023 2:00 pm

Davao City Events | Palawud x Holodeck, Budots: The Craze

Mindanews August 19, 2023 10:10 am

Kadayawan Festival 2023 event guide

Yas D. Ocampo August 7, 2023 4:01 pm

The MindaNews Podcast: Aubrey DS and the creative pursuits that drive us

Mindanews July 10, 2023 7:06 pm
eric gancio of yano

The MindaNews Podcast: Davao-based Eric Gancio and the return of Yano

Yas D. Ocampo June 2, 2023 5:15 pm

MindaNews is the news service arm of the Mindanao Institute of Journalism. It is composed of independent, professional journalists who believe and practice people empowerment through media.

23C Saturn St. GSIS Subdivision, Davao City Philippines Tel. No.: 082 297 4360 editor [at] mindanews.com
Facebook Twitter

© MindaNews 2016 -2023 | All Rights Reserved

About Us

Privacy Policy