Nationwide mask distribution begins

The government on Wednesday started distributing masks for free in provinces around the country in ceremonies led by Health Secretary Francisco Duque III at Barangay San Roque, Antipolo City.

The distribution involved at least 30 million pieces of washable masks for the poor in remote areas to help cut the spread of the coronavirus disease by 85 percent if done properly.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the initiative is in response to the directive of President Duterte for the distribution of free masks to every Filipino.

Lopez said the washable and reusable masks are made by small and medium enterprise under the stewardship of the Department of Trade and Industry, including the sewers who graduated from the Technical Education and Skills Development (TESDA).

Senior citizens, pregnant women, individuals with special health conditions and social amelioration program beneficiaries are given priority under the program.

Duque and officials of the National Task Force Against COVID-19 also visited Rizal province to help the local government implement the COVID-19 action plan via CODE protocol or Coordinated Operations to Defeat Epidemic.

There was a dialogue between local officials and the National Task Force COVID-19 prior to ceremonial distribution of masks.

Apart from face masks, the national government also distributed test kits and Bida

Solusyon posters. The test kits were given to priority areas in the province, including the towns of Binangonan, Taytay and Antipolo City.

Top officials present included Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, testing czar Vince Dizon, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello and DSWD Secretary Rolando Bautista.