A NEWLY established firm in Cebu is venturing into face mask manufacturing to cater to the high demand for surgical masks in Cebu.
Led by seasoned entrepreneurs Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Felix Taguiam, Regional Development Council-Economic Development Committee chairman Virgilio Espeleta and Sea Road Trading operations manager Gino Reyes, Paramount Protection Enterprises Inc. (PPEI) was born out of the desire to further stabilize the supply of face masks in Cebu, after prices of this protective equipment skyrocketed at the beginning of the year.
PPEI will manufacture VShield+Pro disposable and fluid-resistant face masks, the first Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved surgical masks to be manufactured in the Visayas. The masks will also be produced in partnership with Treasure Island Industrial Corp.
According to PPEI, the face masks will be manufactured by a team of Filipinos.
“VShield+Pro masks have 95 percent filtration efficiency and are UV- sanitized. The ‘V’ in VShield stands for virus, which the mask shields us from. ‘Pro’ represents protection, professionals who prioritize quality and the commitment of VShield+Pro to being pro-people because every Filipino deserves the best protection,” the company said.
Each VShield+Pro face mask is made of three layers: a soft, absorbent, non-woven inner layer, a middle layer of medical-grade melt blown filter, and a hydrophobic (or water-resistant) non-woven outer layer.
“The heart of the mask, the melt blown filter is the most essential layer, as it holds the 95 percent filtration capability of each mask,” the firm said.
While VShield+Pro was born out of necessity, the business venture was also fueled by the founders’ vision of a more self- sufficient Cebu.
“What sets VShield+Pro apart from existing masks is that it contributes to the bigger picture of sustainability and self-sufficiency. It promotes a love for one’s community, high regard for quality and patronage of local products,” the company said.
VShield+Pro will be sold in packs of 10 and 50. It will be exclusively distributed in Cebu City and Cebu province by Ever Consumers Sales Inc., available in Evercare Pharmacy, 360 Pharmacy, La Nueva Supermart, and in other retail outlets starting Oct. 1. (KOC)