Robredo says ready to make locally-made PPEs

March 30, 2020

Vice President Leni Robredo said they are  ready to locally manufacture personal protective equipment (PPE) after getting a doctor’s approval on their prototype design.

In a Facebook post on Sunday evening, Robredo said infectious diseases specialist Jesus Julio Ancheta inspected their material and  gave his nod  after 48 hours of preparation.

“We did not want to take chances so we asked the help of Cesar Espiritu, my daughter’s ophthalmologist, who is president and CEO of Medical City South Luzon in Sta Rosa. He, in turn, linked us to Infectious diseases specialist Dr. Jesus Julio Ancheta, to help check our prototypes and our materials on hand. It took us more than 48 hours of going back and forth and this afternoon, finally, our prototype has been approved!,” she said.

Robredo said the one approved was made by designer Joey Socco using tafetta silver back lining which she said was suggested and donated by Reina Tajonera.

“We can go full steam into production now,” she added.Robredo said designer Mich Dulce responded to her call on helping them design a protective suit for medical frontliners as there are limited supplies of PPEs in the global market.

“The reason for the call is our difficulty in sourcing supplies since everything is imported and we have been competing with so many countries already,” she said.

Robredo said Dulce also helped them in looking for more designers and volunteers.She said the available pattern and design for now is large sized but the designers are building another pattern for small and medium sizes and a two-piece version so it will be easier to use on bathroom breaks.

Robredo also shared the link where people can find the design saying “it is for everyone’s consumption”.

“We will be producing in bulk but you can all have your local sewers make them for your own health frontliners, especially those in the provinces. Please just make sure you use Tafetta SBL to ensure utmost protection. The good thing about this is this is reusable,” she added.

Earlier, Robredo said they were able to raise P37,373,738.84 from their fundraising drive for the purchase of PPE for health workers who are in the front line as the country fights the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

As of March 30, they were able to distribute 32,325 PPE sets to 103 hospitals in Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon. Robredo  said they will also give PPEs to Visayas and Mindanao. Ella Dionisio/DMS