Members of the Philippine Navy work on face shields for use by those in the frontlines of the fight against COVID-19. With supply impossible to find, the Navy decided to take matters into its own hands. NSSC
MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Navy knew protective equipment against COVID-19 are nearly impossible to find so it decided to make its own for Navy men who would be on the frontlines in the fight against the rapidly spreading disease.
“This is an alternate offset on the ongoing shortage of supplies for protective personnel equipment in this enhanced community quarantine period,” said Lt. Cmdr. Ma. Christina Roxas, acting commander of the naval public affairs office, in a statement on Thursday (March 26).
The initiative started on Wednesday at the Naval Sea Systems Command (NSSC), a unit in charge of the maintenance of ships and weapons based in Cavite City.
A total of 470 pieces of face shields were produced using transparent film, foam, garter and double-sided tape, said Roxas.
These will be distributed to the Naval Task Group-National Capital Region. An estimated 400 pieces of face masks are consumed daily by the Navy contingent alone.
“We wanted to support our frontliners by creating something that they can use in the fight against COVID-19,” NSSC chief Rear Adm. Rommel Jason Galang was quoted as saying.
“We also worry for their safety amidst the dwindling availability of protective equipment, this is why we thought of creating our own face shields,” Galang said.
He said while the Navy mandate was to maintain and repair ships and weapons, “but at times like this we heed the call to serve the people who serve us first.”
Military and police personnel on the frontlines enforcing the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon have been struggling to acquire protective gear.
Even hospitals are low or out of such equipment as hoarders and profiteers are believed to have gotten their hands on supplies ahead and are now selling these for profits.