March 28, 2024

The Department of Science and Technology-Cordillera and its provincial science and technology centers (PSTCs) have been assisting coronavirus disease-2019 (Covid-19) frontliners through the provision of hygiene and personal protective equipment.

The agency provided 2,960 pieces face masks, one pack non-woven mob cap, 838 DIY face shields and face shield with 3D-printed brackets/reusable frames, and 121 liters of 70 percent alcohol to various frontliners in the region.

A total of 215 hygiene kits containing alcohol, face mask, disposable gloves, wet wipes, antibacterial soap, mouthwash, bleach, and 25 boxes (100 capsules per box) of Vitamin C were given to frontliners in Baguio City and La Trinidad, Benguet.

In support to relief operations, 3,041 food items and several beverages were also donated to frontliners and less privileged residents affected by the pandemic.

PSTC-Benguet also raised funds that were used to purchase 25 cavans of rice donated to garbage collectors and bantay-basura volunteers in La Trinidad in recognition of their efforts in maintaining cleanliness in the communities.

PSTC-Kalinga also led the establishment of 70 percent alcohol production facilities in partnership with Alvendo’s Food Products and Kalinga State University.

The project aimed to augment the increased demand for alcohol. The experimental production has been completed and the proposal for mass production has been prepared by KSU and endorsed by the Regional Research, Development, and Innovation Committee to the Commission on Higher Education for funding. 

The MSMEs supported by the DOST have also extended help during the crisis.

Sixty-three Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program cooperators in Apayao, Baguio City, Benguet, Ifugao, Mountain Province, and Kalinga provided free meals, snacks, coffee, other food items, and PPEs to frontliners in their respective municipalities.

Other cooperators also provided food supplies, cash, and other assistance to their employees.

The DOST also highlighted the establishment of the community kitchen, which was managed by Elmer Macali-ngay, owner of Health 100 restaurant.

Macalingay’s restaurant in La Trinidad was converted into a community kitchen, which has been providing free healthy meals for 51 days to frontliners since the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine. – DOST release