The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through Regional Operations Group (ROG) spearheaded by Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona and DTI-Region 9, collaborated with Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU) in Dapitan City in responding to the needs of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 or COVID-19 frontliners. 

DTI, JRMSU collab to provide protection for Zambo Norte frontliners

Mobilizing the Shared Service Facility (SSF), donated on April17, 2019 by the DTI to the state university as chosen cooperator, this partnership is to produce face shields that will be distributed for free to all the frontliners of the current pandemic outbreak.

Mainly, the objective of the SSF-FabLab is to help new and existing micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the creation of their prototypes before subjecting for mass production. The P8.7M facility covers highly sophisticated equipment with a laser cutter, small and big milling machines, a print and cut machine, 3D printer, and a sewing and embroidery machine.

To date, SSF-FabLab Dapitan City has already fabricated and contributed 670 face shields, which were given to various frontliners across Zamboanga del Norte.

DTI-IX Regional Director Ceferino Rubio expressed his gratitude towards JRMSU for this convergence as well as to some of the public and private stakeholders who donated various materials for the face shield production such as density fiber boards, PVC clear covers, and garters. ♦

Date of Release: 11 April 2020