WITH the serious threat that coronavirus disease (Covid-19) still brings, the Extension and Community Services of Carlos Hilado Memorial State College (CHMSC), together with Garment Technology Area of the College of Industrial Technology (CIT), initiated Combatting Covid-19: A Face Mask for Every CHMSCian.
The project aims to produce 10,000 cloth face masks to be given to all students in all four campuses when classes resume. This necessary protective gear can help lessen the risks of contracting Covid-19 within the school and the community.
“The idea was brought up by our Vice President for Administration and Finance Rosalinda Tuvilla. The idea is to give every student a face mask. We have to ensure that we can make the school grounds as safe as possible for everyone amidst the threat of the corona virus infection,” Mary Grace Nacionales, director for Extension and Community Services, said.
The project which started on May 1, 2020, is led by BSIT Program Chair Ma. Lourdes Hagos and joined by faculty member Ana Mary Ann Pancho, CIT ECS coordinator Ida Pabiania, Research and Extension staff Arlene Visitacion, Reseach staff Cherryl Salaya, and Extension staff Joy Mae de la Peña and Eric March Jalando-on. Mary Grace Nacionales serves as the focal person of the project.
The project also seeks to help sewers from community partners earn extra income by paying them 10 pesos for every face mask done. It also aims to foster the CHMSCyanihan spirit of volunteerism among faculty and staff by soliciting their assistance in the production and packaging of the face masks.
The 10,000 masks are expected to be done and distributed within six weeks.
“We have just started with the project and so far, we are happy with the enthusiasm and dedication of our faculty and staff volunteers in the cutting of the fabrics for the facemasks,” Mary Grace Nacionales said.
She also added that sewers from community partners have also started their work. Some are using CHMSC’s facilities, while others work from home.
The Covid-19 pandemic has taken its toll in the country’s economy and has adversely affected many CHMSC students, their families and partner communities.
Giving out cloth face masks for free is one of the college’s way to show compassion and provide its students the protection they needed whether or not classes will resume this month or a few weeks after.
Uncertainty is part of the “new normal” but what is certain is no member of the CHMSC Community will be left behind. (PR)