THE University of Southeastern Philippines (Usep) Fabrication Laboratory has donated fabricated face shields for healthcare frontliners as personnel protective equipment (PPE) in coronavirus disease (Covid-19)-identified hospitals in the region have started to run out.
Dr. Alma Mae Salinas, Dean of the Usep-College of Technology on Tuesday, March 24, 2020 said Usep, through its FabLab, 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 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 the shortage of resources, Usep could only produce a limited number of face shields. Thus, Usep in partnership with the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (Pasuc) Davao is starting to accept sponsorships 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.