CARMEN, DAVAO DEL NORTE – The Tuason Development Foundation Inc. (TDFI) turned over a Unity in Isolation (UnI) SafeTest Facility for COVID-19 patients to Davao del Norte District Hospital in the Municipality of Carmen last Sept. 12, 2020.

The SafeTest Isolation Facility in Carmen is the 8th site of the UnI project – an initiative that builds COVID isolation facilities in different provinces of the country; with existing sites in Metro Manila, Bicol, and Laguna.

The project is in collaboration with the 534th Engineer Construction Battalion (ECB) who built the facility with assistance from military reservists from the Navy Reserve Center – Eastern Mindanao and Philippine Army Reserve Command.

The turnover ceremony started with a blessing of the facility; followed by a message from the UnI team delivered by TDFI board member Alfonso Tuason Fores; message of Partnership for Peace and Development by Lt. Gen. Jose C. Faustino, AFP Commander, Eastern Mindanao Command; and Key Acceptance and Commitment by Davao del Norte Gov. Edwin Jubahib.

As one of UnI’s organizers and the lead coordinator for Mindanao, TDFI oversaw the entire operation and mobilized partners, volunteers, and donors to make the project possible.

The said facility will be used to free up space in the main hospital rooms as it can house up to 16 PUI, PUM, and recovery patients.

During the ceremony, Department Heads of Tagum City Local Government Unit were present, as well as Capt. Bubuli and Capt. Cangas and team from the 534th ECB; and Philippine Army Reservists led by Lt. Curaza.

Gov. Jubahib showed gratitude to the organizations involved in the project. “Malaking bagay na ang ating private partners ay may pusong marunong tumulong sa ating probinsya. Ito (isolation facility) po ay hindi para sa provincial government, kundi para sa sangkatauhan ng Davao del Norte,” he said.

This effort proves that the Tuason Development Foundation Inc. is steadfast in its goal to help the community and show to heart of Hijo especially in these challenging times.