DTI R02 is putting all its efforts to encourage all DTI assisted MSMEs especially the beneficiaries of sewing machine equipment under the Shared Service Facilities (SSF) Project of DTI to produce washable facemasks for COVID-19 Frontliners.

DTI R02 Regional Director Leah Pulido Ocampo together with all the DTI Provincial Directors closely coordinated with DTI assisted MSMEs in the region for this undertaking.

The Quirino State University- Maddela Campus, SSF Cooperator, produces 150 pieces of washable facemasks daily which are given to hospitals within their vicinity for free.

The Sarakat Women Weavers Association in Sta. Praxedes, Cagayan and Saint Joseph Weavers Association in Gonzaga, Cagayan, both SSF Cooperators produced facemasks and distributed for free to hospitals, PNP personnel, and frontliners in the checkpoints. Members of Saint Joseph Weavers Association used the cash assistance provided by DTI R02 Multi-Purpose Cooperative to produce facemasks.

For Nueva Vizcaya, the Bayombong Ecosewers Association has been supplying washable facemask to hospitals and offers it for sale to the public at a cheaper price ranging from Php. 25.00 to Php. 35.00 per piece.

In Isabela, the Cabatuan Paraiso Producers and Workers Association were able to initially produce sixty (60) pieces washable face masks which they distributed to frontliners and to their community. They are now working on the next batch of face masks which they plan to distribute in the nearby barangays.

DTI Isabela also facilitated the provision of additional sewing machine to Indigenous Enabel Craft in Quezon, Isabela to meet the demand for the production of facemasks for frontliners.

Meanwhile, in Batanes, some Ivatan business owners started producing washable face masks to be given to hospitals and to their locals in Batanes.

DTI R02 is still looking for possible sources of raw materials to be used by MSMEs for mass production of washable facemasks. ♦

Date of Release: 13 April 2020