Ateneo opens dormitory for COVID-19 frontliners

Ateneo de Manila has opened its doors to temporarily house frontliners battling the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Health workers from the Quirino Memorial Medical Center (QMMC) were welcomed by President Fr. Joe Ramon "Jett" Villarin, SJ, to the dormitory inside the Institute of Social Order last Wednesday.

According to the university's website, aside from board and lodging, it will also provide a point-to-point shuttle service to and from the hospital under its "Project Panunuluyan: Kanlungan at Bayanihan."

Food will also be provided to the health workers.

"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," he added.

The borders will undergo daily thermal scans and regular physical exams.

To ensure their health, they will be provided "regular opportunities for exercise, recreation, reflection and prayer." They are also covered by campus security and emergency medical teams.

"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 Ateneo's latest effort to provide aid as the country tries to contain the spread of COVID-19. 

Earlier it donated medical supplies to healthcare workers in Metro Manila.

It also joined forces with rival De La Salle University to raise P10.5 million for those affected by the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon.

—JCB, GMA News