Diaper, bra approved by DOH as alternative face masks

MANILA, Philippines — With prices of face masks soaring and its supply running out, trust Filipinos to have an innovative idea that’s Department of Health-approved in order to avoid inhaling fumes and ash from Taal volcano.

DOH assistant secretary Ma. Francia Laxamana gave her seal of approval during a Palace press briefing Tuesday, saying that diapers may work just as well as any other face mask, in case a real one is unavailable.

“Pwede po siya kasi actually po, kung titignan niyo po yung diapers, diba sa mga bata merong ‘Keep it dry.’ So ngayon po, ang pwede niyo pong gawin, basa basain lang ng konti siya para hindi kayo masuffocate. Para talagang ma-obstruct [ang ash] (It may work, actually. Diapers of children usually say ‘Keep it dry,’ so what you can do is to moisten it to prevent you from suffocating, and to obstruct ash),” Laxamana said in a press briefing, when asked if diapers will work as an alternative.

Laxamana also said bra, underwear, and shirts may also be used.

“Very good, creative, practical way. Kasi worse comes to worst at wala ka talagang makuha, yun na po ang pwede niyong gawin. Meron pa ngang ibang creative ways of doing things. Isa pa po yung kamiseta. Meron po ibang creative, yung bra, panty. Kasi po talagang lahat lumalabas na,” Laxamana said.

(Very good, creative, practical way. If worse comes to worst and you really don’t have face masks, that’s an alternative that you can use. There are more creative ways of doing things like using a shirt. Other creative ways are using bra, panty. All the possible ways are coming out.)

After Taal spewed ashes that reached nearby provinces and Metro Manila, prices of N95 masks reportedly began to soar to as high as P200 per piece, and even regular face masks were sold out in stores.