Kanlungan: Ateneo opens dormitory for COVID-19 frontliners

The Institute of Social Order dormitory will house hospital workers from nearby Quirino Memorial Medical Center

 

On Wednesday, 15 April 2020, health care workers (HCWs), weary from the fight against COVID-19, were welcomed to their temporary home inside the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) campus in Quezon City.

Up to 30 medical and support staff from the Quirino Memorial Medical Center (QMMC), one of the main government hospitals treating COVID-19 patients, will stay for a month at the dormitory of the Institute of Social Order (ISO), located inside the Loyola Heights campus.

Under “Project Panunuluyan: Kanlungan at Bayanihan,” Ateneo will provide board and lodging for the HCWs, plus a point-to-point shuttle service to and from the hospital, until 15 May 2020. 
 

"Kanlungan offers rest and reflection spaces for health workers needing a safe and refreshing environment after a strenuous day at the frontlines of this pandemic," said Dr. Norman Dennis E. Marquez, University Physician, who is leading the effort. "We are not simply providing a temporary physical shelter. We are sharing our home with our brothers and sisters for all time."

 

Safe, secure place for health care workers
 

The HCWs staying at the ISO dorm include nurses, nursing aides, and other hospital support staff. They are occupying rooms on the first floor of the dormitory, and are able to use the dining and laundry areas. They are also given access to wifi and TV. Food will also be delivered to them daily.

 

The HCW boarders' health and safety is a top priority. They will undergo daily thermal scans and regular physical exams, and will be provided regular opportunities for exercise, recreation, reflection and prayer. They will also be protected by the campus security and emergency medical teams. 

 

The dormitory will be cleaned and disinfected daily, with particular focus on common areas and high-touch surfaces such as light switches and doorknobs.
 

The ISO dormitory was chosen as it is already a complete facility, not needing further modifications compared to classrooms or covered courts. It is also relatively isolated from the rest of the campus, allowing the guests privacy and tranquility.
 

Success of project a ‘communal effort’
 

The first group of HCWs were welcomed to the dormitory by Fr Jose Ramon “Jett” Villarin, SJ, University President. 
 

"We consider it a privilege to be of service somehow to our HCWs by providing this place where they can rest, reflect, and renew their body and spirit," Fr. Jett said. "This is panunuluyan during Easter time, a time to open ourselves to how the Spirit is entreating and moving us in the world today.

 

"The success of Kanlungan will be a communal effort," Dr. Marquez said. "The generosity of benefactors, the leadership of Philippine Jesuits Province and ADMU, the competency and rigor of the project team, and the discipline and honesty of the HCW must all come together to achieve our goals and heed God’s call for mercy and compassion."
 

The dormitory for HCWs is part of Ateneo’s wider response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

"This is one of the ways the Ateneo is supporting healthcare workers who are in the frontlines in this fight vs COVID-19," said Lino Rivera, Vice President for Social Development. "We are saying through this gesture that we appreciate what you’re doing, and that we are with you!"
 

More information about the Ateneo community’s response to COVID-19 can be found at ateneo.edu/. Details on how to help can be found at https://sites.google.com/ateneo.edu/donate/home.