DOST eyes to produce 50,000 reusable masks per week by end of June

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is eyeing to produce 50,000 reusable and washable face masks by the end of June, Secretary Fortunato dela Peña said Wednesday.

During a televised briefing, Dela Peña said the agency is looking for more tailors to increase their current production capacity of 10,000 masks per week.

“I reported last week that we are still in the 10,000 per week production because we are still looking for more cooperators which will be doing the sewing,” Dela Peña said.

“But we expect the volume will go to about 50,0000 per week by the end of June. Our target production initially is 500,000,” he added.

Dela Peña said the DOST produces the masks in partnership with the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) and tailors from Taytay and Cavite.

“We have already earmarked half of it for the frontliners in cooperation with the task force that is taking charge of logistics. The rest that we will produce will be part of the stockpiling of inventory of masks by the Philippine government,” Dela Peña said.

Face masks became scarce after the eruption of Taal Volcano in January. Its demand increased further following the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak.

Due to a shortage in protective gear, several individuals improvised face masks and even face shields for hospital workers to prevent their exposure to COVID-19 while in line of duty.

As of Tuesday, the Philippines has nearly 19,000 cases of COVID-19 with 966 fatalities and 4,063 recoveries.

/MUF