DTI works with local manufacturers to ensure mask availability

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is working with local manufacturers to ensure the availability of face masks amid a global surge in demand due to the novel coronavirus outbreak.

DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said a local manufacturer has pledged to prioritize local demands, allocating 400,000 masks per week for frontline workers in the Department of Health and local pharmacies.

However, the DTI is facing difficulties in sourcing an additional 5 million face masks from overseas due to dwindling domestic supply and limited stocks abroad.