THE first state-owned oxygen producing plant will soon rise in Sorsogon, Gov. Chiz Escudero announced today after the province’s P94.5 million loan to finance its construction has been approved by the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP).
The oxygen plant, he said, will greatly contribute to improve the healthcare system of the province and boost Sorsogon’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I thank the LANDBANK for the expeditious approval of our loans. Finally, we can now start the construction of our oxygen plant, the first government-owned facility of such in the country,” Escudero pointed out.
“Malaking bagay ito para mapangalagaan ang kasulugan at mailigtas sa kamatayan ang ating mga kababayan,” he added.
The former senator said that aside from boosting the supply of medical oxygen of Sorsogon’s nine public hospitals, the project will also benefit other provinces in the Bicol region.
The oxygen plant is targeted for completion in early 2022 as part of the local government’s response to the country’s worsening coronavirus outbreak and the rising demand for oxygen as infections continue to spike.
“LANDBANK remains committed to serving the nation at the frontlines of our battle against the pandemic. Alongside our LGU partners, we stand ready to service growth and recovery requirements, which include boosting local healthcare services and providing support to medical frontliners and their constituents,” LBP President and CEO Cecilia Borromeo said in a statement.
The bank said costs for oxygen tank refilling will be cheaper at P157 per tank from the current P490 once the facility is finished as it will provide additional oxygen supply for the province that has been relying on just one supplier in Camarines Sur. More than 800,000 residents of Sorsogon, as well as those residing in its neighboring provinces, are expected to benefit from the project, it added.