Doh-calabarzon launches free face mask distribution project

THE regional office of the Department of Health in Calabarzon on Thursday distributed a total of 15,500 disposable face masks in a bid to stem local Covid-19 transmission, especially in areas where infections were observed to be on the rise.

DOH Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo said that the face masks were given to residents of barangays in Antipolo City and other areas through their respective barangay chairmen. Some 200 washable face masks were also distributed during Thursday’s activity.

Among the barangays with the highest number of recorded Covid-19 cases are Mayamot, San Roque, San Isidro, Dela Paz in Antipolo; Rizaliana, Bagong Bayan and Pulo in

Mauban, Quezon; Gulang-gulang, Ibabang Dupay, Isabang, Ibabang Iyam and Cota in Lucena City, Quezon; San Isidro, Sto. Domingo, San Andres, San Juan, San Roque. Sto. Niño, Sta. Rosa in Cainta, Rizal.

Janairo said that face masks were given in compliance with the directive of President Duterte to provide free masks to the public targeting the underprivileged.

He said that the Doh-calabarzon immediately purchased and distributed more than 300 boxes of face masks in all the five provinces.

Each box contains 50 pieces of face masks were received by the barangay chairmen of various communities.

Janairo said that the observation of the President on the wearing of face mask is “very common,” and the reason is mainly financial.

“Karamihan sa mga kababayan natin hindi maka-afford bumili ng [majority of our countrymen cannot afford to buy] adequate supply ng [of] mask. Mas pipiliin pa nilang ibili ito ng pagkain dahil kapos sa pera. [They would rather buy food than masks],” Janairo noted.

The distribution of the face masks, Janairo said, seeks to encourage residents to comply with one of the essential requirements to beat the virus.

“We can expect cases to lessen if this simple practice is followed religiously. And we count on the support of the local government units in implementing this,” he added.

As of March 17, 2021, a total number of 83,673 Covid-19 cases were recorded, 5,939 are active cases with 75,338 recoveries and 2,396 deaths. Calabarzon is the second region in the country with most number of Covid-19 cases.