A sign saying non-acceptance of walk-in patients is posted at the gate of the Philippine General Hospital - Out Patient Department in Manila on August 15, 2021. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/File
MANILA — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Wednesday said it is targeting the completion of drainage improvement works at the UP-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) by December, after the project was significantly delayed.
DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said the overall project, which includes the construction of a sewage treatment plant and septic tank, was only around 2 percent complete when he inspected the site in June.
In the past three months, however, Dizon said the project has reached around 30 percent completion.
The project was originally awarded to Edison Development and Construction Inc. and its joint venture partner FS Co Builders & Supply, which the DPWH said is supposedly owned by Farida Co, the sister of fugitive former lawmaker Elizaldy Co.
Dizon said the original contractor was unable to complete the project, prompting the agency to subcontract the remaining works to speed up construction.
“Kasi hindi na nila kaya e, so essentially naka-subcon na… ‘Yun na lang ang ginawa natin kasi if we were to terminate and then re-bid, it would’ve taken another six to eight months which PGH cannot afford,” he said.
Asked whether the former contractor was facing financial problems, Dizon said he was unsure.
“Well, wala na si Zaldy Co so siguro, I don’t know,” he said.
Dizon said the original design also called for concrete box culverts, which would have taken longer to install and caused greater disruption to hospital operations.
The design was changed to high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes, which Dizon said could be installed more quickly.
“Kaya naman e, basta marunong at maayos ‘yung gagawa,” he said.
The remaining portions of the P679-million repair and rehabilitation project are targeted for completion in the first quarter of next year.
These include the elevation of road networks, repairs to fences, and repainting the facades of various buildings.
FLOODING IN PGH
PGH Director Dr. Gerardo Legaspi said flooding remains particularly problematic at the hospital’s main entrance, the outpatient department, and the area in front of the chapel.
“The problem is the main entrance, pinakamalalim. Kahit nga regular o hindi malalim yung flooding sa labas, hindi na rin makapasok ang tao,” Legaspi said.
“Etong outpatient department, kahit bagyo, pinupuntahan ng mga pasyente, inaabutan ng baha. Very important na ma-relieve,” he added.
PGH employees are also affected, particularly those who need to report for duty despite difficult conditions.
“Pag umulan, saglit lang, 30 minutes na malakas o 1 hour, baha na dyan e… Even the employees may difficulty, especially nurses na kailangan ng mga pasyente. So ang nangyayari, hindi nakakapasok ‘yung iba, hindi nakakauwi ‘yung iba,” said Institutional Research, Planning and Development staff member Racquel Malapascua.
Meanwhile, Dizon said the DPWH is also planning additional flood mitigation works around PGH under the proposed 2027 budget.
These include upgrading the drainage systems along Taft Avenue and Padre Faura, which Dizon described as two of the main drainage routes serving the hospital.
“Hopefully before the rainy season next year, everything here will be done,” Dizon said.
'Old' drainage channels in Metro Manila need rehabilitation, says DPWH
DPWH redesigns drainage inlets on Metro Manila roads to prevent flooding
RELATED VIDEO