ILOILO CITY, Iloilo, Philippines — Ilonggo artists have raised more than P1.7 million by selling their artworks to help raise funds for the production and free distribution of 200,000 face masks to protect residents from being infected by the new coronavirus (COVID-19).
At least 80 art pieces have been sold by the Ilonggo Artists Against COVID-19, which is composed mostly of Iloilo-based artists, according to visual artist Rock Drilon.
Drilon said the group was expecting to reach its target of P2.5 million to P3 million by the end of the month.
The artworks include those produced by both young and renowned artists, including Fernando Cabigting, Ed Defensor, PG Zoluaga and Drilon, and those donated by collectors.
Part of the proceeds will be given to the city government to produce cloth face masks as part of measures to prevent the spread of the COVID-19.
Most of the artists will donate half of the proceeds to the project, while some will give 30 percent, or the full amount.
“Aside from helping the production of face masks, we are also helping fellow artists who are also severely affected by the pandemic and quarantine measures,” Drilon said.
—NESTOR BURGOS JR.