By Minka Tiangco The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Thursday, April 17, began converting two event venues in Metro Manila into additional quarantine facilities for coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) patients. (DPWH PIO via Minka Tiangco / MANILA BULLETIN) In a statement, the DPWH said hospital design specialist Architect Dan Lichauco approved the technical plans for Filinvest Tent in Muntinlupa City and the Philippine Institute of Sports Multi-Purpose Arena or PhilSports Arena, formerly ULTRA, in Pasig City. Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar said on his Facebook page that each venue can cater to over 100 COVID-19 patients. In line with social distancing guidelines, workers can construct the cubicles offsite. However, the assembling of the cubicles and finishing works must be done in the actual site, the DPWH secretary said. "We will be building makeshift hospital rooms for 156 patients at ULTRA and finish the work as fast as we can, similar to what we have done at PICC (Philippine International Convention Center)," Villar said in a statement. "With public-private partnership, the government hopes to further convert more facilities to address hospital congestion, and ensure efficient treatment of patients battling COVID-19 virus," he added. The Public Works and Highways department recently converted at least 11 event venues and public buildings into "We Heal As One" centers, or isolation facilities for COVID-19 patients. The PICC was among the first to be completed. This as the country tries to deal with an increasing number of COVID-19 cases that has left hospitals congested, and with depleted workforces and medical equipment. As of writing, there are now 5,660 COVID-19 cases in the Philippines with 362 deaths and 435 recovered patients.