DOST to produce 500,000 reusable face masks for frontliners

The Philippine government is set to produce 500,000 reusable face masks for frontliners and its stockpile, developed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

The DOST has begun mass production of washable and reusable masks, initially aiming for 10,000 per week and escalating to 50,000 weekly by the end of June.

Half of the 500,000 masks will be donated to government frontliners through the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), while the other half will be added to the government's inventory.

The reusable masks utilize a textile coating technology and can be used up to 50 times, with local fiber textiles being donated by Power Fashion Inc.

In addition to the face masks, the DOST has also delivered 132 specimen collection booths to various hospitals and health centers.

The DOST has also launched a program to help overseas Filipino workers and their families establish technology-based businesses and is offering technological assistance to new investors supporting the 'Balik Probinsya' program.