The city council passed an ordinance reverting P150 million to the general fund from its savings and re-appropriated the same for the operations of the city government in dealing with the ongoing Covid-19 crisis.
During its regular session, March 30, the city council approved the ordinance on first reading and dispensed with the second and third readings.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong who attended the city council’s regular session explained the P150M is a standby fund which can be used for the rehabilitation of the Sto. Niño Hospital and its conversion into a critical care facility for Covid-19 patients. The fund will also support other essential operations of the city amidst the Covid -19 pandemic.
City Budget Officer Leticia Clemente said the Local Finance Committee will prepare the certificate of availability of funds for the purpose.
In two other approved resolutions, the city council also authorized Magalong to enter into memoranda of agreement with Sto Niño hospital and the Department of Health for the hospital’s rehabilitation and its operation as a specialty hospital for Covid-19 patients.
“We cleared 36 rooms in one floor in preparation for the hospital’s conversion into a Baguio City critical care center and we can still use two more floors for its expansion,” Magalong said.
He said the management of Baguio General Hospital had emptied an entire building to be used as an exclusive facility for Covid-19 patients.
The mayor added two more structures, Lindi Hotel located along Legarda St. and a certain five-story building located in Tuba, are being eyed as containment facilities for persons under investigation. – Jordan G. Habbiling
