Duterte directs agencies to pool resources into production, distribution of face masks

President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday directed several government agencies to pool their resources and efforts into the production and distribution of free face masks amid the COVID-19 crisis.

The agencies include the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the Presidential Management Staff (PMS).

The Palace designated the DTI as the lead agency in connection with the production and procurement of face masks, according to Memorandum Order 49 signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea.

The DTI was tasked to consolidate micro, small, and medium enterprises, cooperatives and community organizations with regard to the production of face masks. It will also support TESDA in gaining access to production networks and supplier markets for raw materials and finished goods.

The DTI and DBM-Procurement Service will coordinate with TESDA on the procurement of face masks produced by TESDA learners.

According to Malacañang, the DOH and the DTI should determine the minimum, most cost efficient and good quality specifications to ensure that the face masks are effective in preventing the transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19.

Funds for the purchase of the face masks will be charged against the budget of the DOH with the DBM providing technical assistance in the downloading and utilization of funds.

Priority beneficiaries of the face masks include financially disadvantaged and persons with disability and those enrolled under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. The identification of the beneficiaries will be done by the DSWD.

The PMS will monitor the progress of the distribution and submit a report to the President.

Other agencies, state-run companies and schools were directed to cooperate and extend assistance to the program.

“It is imperative to reinforce non-pharmaceutical interventions, such as minimizing face-to-face interaction, wearing of face masks and face shields, and observing social distancing to complement our healthcare facilities and support our health workers in containing the further spread of the COVID-19 virus,” the memorandum stated.

The Philippines has so far reported 272,934 COVID-19 cases, including 207,858 recoveries and 4,732 deaths. -MDM, GMA News