Far Eastern University (FEU) is lending a helping hand to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) in the latter’s relentless efforts to flatten the curve of Covid-19 infections in the Philippines. The assistance takes the forms of food provisions for the entire RITM workforce from May 1 to 7, 2020, and the use of the FEU Alabang gym as resting and sleeping quarters by RITM’s administrative and technical staff as well as outsourced services personnel starting April 3, 2020.
The naturally ventilated gym has been temporarily repurposed to provide a convenient, hygienic, and comfortable area for designated RITM personnel to relax and recharge in. It accommodates 50 beds, separated into male and female sections, and a 12-seater lounge area. Separate shower, toilet, and locker facilities for men and women are also provided.
To ensure that the gym is health-safe for its occupants, strict protocols have been put in place. Before being allowed to enter the facility, each person is disinfected with a body misting spray and a footbath, thermal scanned for body temperature and has to hand wash or hand sanitizer. The beds and the lounge furniture are neatly arranged and spaced to comply with physical distance guidelines.
A misting system is set up to disinfect each person entering the gym.
“FEU Alabang is doing everything it can to support RITM, our neighbor within the Alabang community, by offering our gym to be a temporary living space for their front liners. We have ensured that protocols are in place and have adhered to the guidelines set forth by the medical facility. We will continue to do our part as members of this community,” says FEU Alabang Senior Executive Director Benson Tan.
In addition, various members of the FEU community are working together to help in this initiative. The Alumni Relations Office (ARO), Nicanor Reyes Memorial Foundation (NRMF), and the Volunteerism Services Office (VSO) are collecting donations from alumni and student groups to provide food packs consisting of three square meals and snacks for the health front liners of RITM and other partner hospitals of FEU.
