WTCMM: Going Down In History To Fight Covid-19

Apr 27, 2020

The World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCMM), a premier accredited WTC and a world-class exhibition venue in the Philippines recognized by UFI and ISO, was tapped by Philippine government, and has successfully been converted into a temporary healthcare facility to decongest hospitals and provide support to the country’s healthcare system.

The flexible and contiguous 10,000 square meter exhibition venue is now equipped with 502 bed cubicles, individually separated by privacy panels. Several private companies came together to complete and bring the facility to operation. Electricity and water bills, built-up and construction, installation of shower stalls, additional water tanks, supplies of alcohol, face shields, assorted beddings, towels, toiletries, meals, and many others, were contributed and donated by generous private organizations and individuals.

“The World Trade Center Metro Manila has always been in the forefront of exhibitions and events, from the most complex set-up of foreign and local events to the simplest build-up. We have had the privilege to be recognized worldwide by international organizations, but nothing will compare to this opportunity given us to work with like-minded local organizations, together with government, to help fight the spread of Covid-19," said Pamela D. Pascual, President and CEO of World Trade Center Metro Manila.

The WTC We Heal as One Center was made possible through the collective efforts of private companies through the ICCP Group and Manila Exposition Complex, Inc. (MEC), were the Ayala Group of Companies through its subsidiaries, Makati Development Corp., AC Energy Phils., Manila Water Company, Manila Water Foundation, Integrated Micro-Electronics Inc. (IMI), and Globe Telecom, utility companies MERALCO and Maynilad, Smart, DICT, and other donor companies, such as Kimberly Clark, Cebu Overseas Inc., San Miguel Corp., Hotel 101, Bellevue Hotel, Dusit Thani Manila, MAI Events, Booths N More, Red and Blue Emergency Services, and Beatbox Entertainment, with support from government initiated by the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

To manage the facility is the Armed Forces of Philippines (AFP) Medical Team composed of doctors, nurses, medical aids, security and personnel aids. “This is the first time that the WTCMM will be used as a health care facility, and there was never a doubt that we want to contribute to the country’s fight to contain the spread of the virus. We are honored to be given this chance to do this for the country” Pascual says.

Sources:
  • https://business.inquirer.net/294798/ayala-group-takes-part-in-conversion-of-world-trade-center-into-a-covid-19-facility
  • https://news.abs-cbn.com/ancx/culture/spotlight/04/19/20/recent-data-suggests-the-philippines-is-doing-better-in-flattening-the-curve
  • http://www.ttgmice.com/2020/04/08/philippines-mice-venues-transformed-into-covid-19-care-facilities/