Usep donates face shields to SPMC, DRMC

THE University of Southeastern Philippines (Usep) Fabrication Laboratory donated fabricated face shields for healthcare frontliners as personnel protective equipment (PPE) in coronavirus disease (Covid-19)-identified hospitals in the region started to run out.

According to Dr. Alma Mae Salinas, Dean of the Usep-College of Technology on Tuesday, Usep, through its FabLab, officially turned over 25 fabricated face shields to the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) and 10 to Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC). This is part of their effort to help the frontline medical health workers in their fight against the spread of Covid-19.

Patients under investigation (PUIs) are starting to overwhelm the healthcare facilities in the two state-run hospitals in the region, putting hospital workers at risk in contracting the respiratory disease.

SPMC, for instance, said shortage of PPEs like masks, gloves, among others is one of the challenges that they are facing right now as the number of PUIs continues to grow.

“We heard the news that there was depletion of resources of PPE, which are essential sa mga front liners especially medical practitioners kaya Usep initiated to help them,” she added.

She also said they will give 100 face shields to various health facilities in different municipalities such as Lupon, Asuncion, Kapalong, and Pantukan.

Salinas said Prof. Amiel Marata is the FabLab Manager under the College of Technology while she as Dean, spearheaded the initiative with the support of Usep President Dr. Lourdes Generalao.

The Usep FabLab is composed of personnel who are CT alumni - staff Ailene Escalante, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) staff Jeremiah Bargio, Departnent of Trade and Industry (DTI) staff Francis Dave Batoon , and clerical staff Judilyn Lagod.

However, due to shortage of resources, Usep could only produce limited number of face shields. Thus, Usep in partnership with the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (Pasuc) Davao is starting to accept sponsorship in the fabrication of face shields for frontline medical health workers and other frontline personnel.

They also accept in-kind support such as materials for the production of face shield including acetate film, 12mm elastic band garter, 12mm double adhesive tape, and 2.85 mm 3D printer filament.

Interested donors may contact 09104663196.