THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 7 turned over 3.3 million face masks to the Cebu Provincial Government “to be given to the poor, vulnerable, and disadvantaged.”
“Our partnership with the Provincial Government of Cebu and the Philippine National Police ensures that these masks will reach the beneficiaries,” said DSWD 7 Director Rebecca Geamala in a statement.
The face masks were turned over on Monday, April 26, 2021, at the Capitol Social Hall.
“This donation has come at an appropriate time since we have decided on the policy not to impose fines on face mask violators. Instead, we give them face masks,” said Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia in Cebuano during the turnover ceremony.
Garcia earlier decided to abolish the fine and other penalties imposed on individuals not wearing face masks. She said violators should instead be educated on quarantine and health protocols.
Garcia has also instructed the Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO) to provide free masks to mask violators and to deal with coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) protocol violators “humanely by simply reminding them to follow minimum health standards.”
“We support this effort na magbigay ng masks sa mga di makaka-afford, na instead of hulihin, tulungan natin sila,” said newly installed CPPO Director Col. Engelbert Soriano. (NRC/With PR)