Covid-19 Face Masks for a Cause in Bacolod City

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Among the hardest hit industry in Bacolod City due to the Covid-19 pandemic is the fashion and events industry. But instead of wallowing, fashion designers and event organizers have come together to help other people. One of the campaigns we have seen is the face masks for a cause by the Association of Negros Designers (AND) headed by Dwight Morana.

Related: Bayanihan sa Bacolod Movement in Fighting Covid-19

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Raising Funds for Face Masks for a Cause

The reusable Face Masks for a Cause actually started as an idea between a few members of the Association of Negros Designers. Some of them made cloth face masks using available materials in their atelier. Then they would give these out to people just in their community whom they see on a regular basis. This was already underway the week before the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) was declared in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental.

Asking for help: A face mask drive by DA Works and Events.

Related: Bacolod City Guide

During the ECQ

When the ECQ ordinances were passed and checkpoints were installed, the designers also distributed face masks among the police and military personnel manning checkpoints. Eventually, they expanded their coverage to include garbage collectors.

Related: Chamber Volunteer Fire Brigade Disinfects Bacolod City Streets

Furthermore, they want to be able to distribute some more to the vendors at the Libertad and Burgos Public Markets. But basically, they give their creations away to anyone who needs face masks. They have also given to people to deliver food to frontliners in Bacolod, like Agnes Chang.

Meanwhile, design Carmeli Bantug also facilitated the donation of face masks to the Cadiz Covid Health Center in Cadiz City.

What the Face Masks are Made Of

Designers John C Rondain, Brylie Hiponia, and Jes Dakila are the ones making the masks. They have a standard design: 2-ply rectangular folded masks with garters on both sides. Fabrics are a combination of printed Chinese cotton printed and plain neoprene fabric. There are different prints and colors available—after all, these are made by designers.

These are then individually wrapped before distribution.

All these people involved are trusted Bacolod wedding suppliers who have hit a slump due to Covid-19. But with whatever they have and what they can do, they have shared to the community. This project has also given jobs to their seamstresses who were displaced during the lockdown.

Why Face Masks are Needed

In Bacolod City and Negros Occidental, both Mayor Bing Leonardia and Gov. Bong Lacson have mandated the use of face masks when in public. This is to protect yourself and also to prevent the spread of disease.

Related: Continuous Wearing of Face Masks and Frequent Hand Washing Fight Covid-19

However, face masks have been in high demand and in low supply because of Covid-19. So everybody has to be resourceful. Personally, I prefer cloth masks because they are washable and will not add to the garbage problem that we have. As such, the Covid-19 has really increased household trash as well as infectious wastes.

While they say that cloth masks are not enough to protect us from the Covid-19, there are ways to circumvent it. My cloth facemask does not let air through and I bought it for only P20 a long time ago.

Related: Covilyzer UVC Sterilization Lamps Fight Covid-19

This is a very difficult time for all of us. But during this time, we have seen how people and businesses have risen up to help each other. We heal as one, Philippines!

Covid-19 Face Masks for a Cause in Negros Occidental