THE implementation of the Community Face Mask Project is seen to benefit micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Central Luzon, as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is set to lead the certification process to accredited local mask makers in the countryside.
The Office of the President, which will manage the implementation of the project, aims to provide 35 million domestically manufactured community face masks to be distributed to 4Ps families, especially those in areas with high coronavirus infection.
The Community Face Mask Project also aims to reinforce non-pharmaceutical interventions to control the spread of the virus
Under Memorandum Order 49, the Office of the President directed all concerned government agencies to pool their resources toward the production and distribution of face masks to the needy population.
In the order, DTI was tasked to consolidate MSME face mask producers, cooperatives and community organizations for the efficient and effective production of sufficient face masks that are cost-efficient and have good quality specifications that are effective in protecting people against the transmission of the Covid-19 virus.
According to DTI Central Luzon Judith Angeles, the agency will help in facilitating the coordination of manufacturers, MSMEs, Tesda scholars and community organizations for the production of face masks.
She said the project will ensure that local entrepreneurs will have the chance to earn and have a sure market for their products.
"The DTI will also issue certifications to eligible participating manufacturers for the project. Face mask manufacturers are required to subcontract at least 40 percent of production to MSMEs and local organizations at a minimum rate of P6per mask to ensure that small producers benefit from the project," Angeles added.
The Competitiveness and Innovation Group of the DTI was specifically tasked by DTI Department Order 20-073 to implement the certification of eligible cloth mask manufacturers and consolidators
The DTI will also identify the MSMEs and community organizations and partner sewers who can be included in the project.
Local face mask producers are asked to coordinate with the local DTI office should they wish to be included in the community face mask project.