ILOILO City will be giving for free 100,000 more cloth face masks for the Ilonggos to be safe and protected amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
This is the productive result of Mayor Jerry Treñas's daughter Raisa's initiated project together with katsa (cheesecloth) donors and artists who donated their earnings.
Now on its third batch of distribution, some 104,000 face masks will be given to residents. Some 40,000 pieces were already distributed first, and another 40,000 during the second round.
Treñas thanked bakeries and milling companies that gave cheesecloth materials after giving Ilonggos in need free pandesal totaling to 201,594 packs of eight-piece per pack bread.
The production dubbed Uswag Sewers providing livelihood to 93 tailors and seamstresses has produced 215,465 face masks as of June 18, out of the target of 300,000.
This has been made possible through the "Ilonggo Artists Against Coid-19" donation drive, which raised P3-million funds from sales through online gallery in May, gathering 300 artworks from 86 artists.
A total of P65,000 or P2,500 per artist was given back to those who weren't able to sell their works.
"I am very thankful to our artists united in anti-Covid-19 campaign. I think this is one of the biggest artworks auctions. Ilonggos are patronizing paintings and sculptures for a cause, to help their fellows to provide face masks for our people," Treñas said.
"Our artists really answered the call for need of face masks. They have not only showcased their works but they have shown support in the midst of this crisis," he added. (PR)