Two mayors in Mountain Province expressed their gratitude to National Task Force for Covid-19 Chief Implementor Sec. Carlito Galvez for the test kits and personal protective equipment (PPE) they received recently.
Bontoc Mayor Franklin Odsey and Sagada Mayor James Pooten thanked Galvez during the Joint National Task Force and Regional Task Force meeting in Baguio City on May 21.
The mayors earlier requested the NTF for supplies to be used by the frontliners in the fight against the Covid-19.
The NTF provided the two towns with 1,000 pieces of rapid test kits; 500 pieces of personal protective equipment suit; 500 pieces of Medical Overboot or shoe cover; 500 pieces of medical goggles; 500 pieces N95 mask; 1,000 pieces medical gloves; 500 pieces surgical mask; 500 pieces of protective gown; and 500 pieces of head cover.
Bontoc will prioritize the frontliners and suspect cases or persons under investigation in the Covid-19 rapid tests.
Odsey said that the arrival of the locally stranded individuals as well as repatriated overseas Filipino workers is inevitable, which is why it is important to implement measures so that the local health system will not be overwhelmed.
In Sagada, Pooten said the rapid test kits will help ensure that the town remains free from the Covid-19 during the general community quarantine.
“Our local public health facilities are wanting even under normal conditions. We realize local governments need support from the national government as we respond to this pandemic and secure the health and welfare of our people and to pave the road for economic recovery in the immediate future,” Galvez said.
He said the NTF continues to provide PPEs and test kits to local government units, especially in areas that have no Covid-19 laboratory testing facility to help in the detection of probable cases.
Galvez also turned over set of PPEs to Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong during the meeting. – Redjie M. Cawis
