The holding area at the Davao International Airport meant for passengers waiting for RT-PCR test results is now nearing completion.
Around 80 to 90 percent has been finished or two to three mega tents are left pending for installation for the 400-bed capacity target.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is also building a 400-bed capacity facility made of container van houses near the area.
“So sa ngayon ground preparation ‘yung ginagawa natin sa site B. By the end of September, matatapos na natin ito (We are currently at the ground preparation for Site B. This will be finished by end of September),” DPWH XI Spokesperson Dean Ortiz revealed.
The 200-bed capacity holding area at the Old Airport in Sasa, Davao City has already been completed. However, the manager of Davao International Airport said the holding area is still inadequate since an average of 300 to 400 passengers arrive daily.
“Like for example, mayroon hinold ngayon na 300 and then magstay sila ng I think 2 days, so the next day mayroon na namang another 300, so mayroon talagang araw na mapupuno (Like for example, we hold 300 [passengers] and will stay for 2 days, then another 300 will arrive the next day, so there are really days when we are fully occupied),” Davao International Airport Manager Rex Obcena explained.
“Ongoing ang ground preparation and anytime this week or tomorrow made-deliver na ang mga container vans dahil containerized modular na laboratory testing facility ito (The ground preparation is now ongoing, and the container vans will be delivered anytime this week or tomorrow because this laboratory testing facility is containerized modular),” Obcena added.
Around two to three flights arrive in Davao Airport everyday which could increase once the 1,000-bed holding facility and COVID-19 testing laboratory are completed. – Report from Regine Lanuza
