Face Shields turned over by DOST-X staff Mark Candole to Maj. Pumbaya of IATF

Volunteers among the Department of Science and Technology-X’s employees gathered to create face shields for COVID19 front liners within the city. A total of 250 face shields were created and received by Maj. Pumbaya of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for COVID19 on March 26, 2020.

“The face shield is made of PVC Cover, PE insulation foam, and garter.” Ms. Shevanie Magallanes, one of the volunteers, said.

The face shield, with proper use, will help in protecting the face from droplets and mists that may contain viruses and bacteria. It is appropriate for the people assigned at the checkpoints and doing disinfections.

The innovation was made possible with the help of Mr. John W. Asuncion of Dragon Boat Cagayan, and Mr. Romel Salvador N. Chiu and Ms. Faith J. Jordan of FJ School of Performing Arts who designed the face shield prototypes and willingly coordinated with DOST-X. A team of six (6) per day was able to produce 290 face shields in two days. The volunteers were Shevanie E. Magallanes, Judy G. Palaca, Hadassah Lois G. Matito, Arianne S. Sioson, Ella D. Nadela, Jerald V. Esmeralda, Mark C. Candole, Nicolo P. Cano, Jessie B. Zambrano, Bonita A. Manguilimotan, Mark Anthony T. Galon, Adonis A. Walog, and Jon Florence Z. Prantilla.

“Our shields are being used by doctors especially sa operating room. First line of defense na sya gyud.”, Mr. Asuncion said as he expands the protective gear’s use.

Face Shields extend from the eyebrows to below the chin and across the width of the employee’s head. These shields protect against potential splashes or sprays of hazardous liquids. This is as stated by Princeton University for Environmental Health and Safety on their article on Eye and Face Protection.

“Sana magdulot ito ng proteksyon at kasiyahan sa mga nagbabantay sa unahang linya. Sana magdulot din ito ng inspirasyon sa mga gumawa nito. Salamat sa Panginoon at binigyan mo kami ng pagkakataon na makatulong,”, Engr. Romela Ratilla, DOST-X Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services, said.

With this, the agency is hoping to spark Bayanihan spirits within government and private sectors to join forces in helping out our front line personnel in the fight against this current crisis.

“If this is done and we also receive good feedback from the users, we will invite other agencies to produce for distribution to the front liners. Salamat kayo sa inyo.” Dir. Alfonso Alamban, DOST-X Regional Director, said as he expressed gratitude to the volunteers. (Julie Anne H. Baculio, DOST-X)

Source: http://region10.dost.gov.ph/240-dost-x-innovates-face-shields-for-covid19-front-liners