Ito lang ang kayang gawin ng asosasyon namin para makatulong sa komunidad ngayong panahon ng krisis. Hindi kami nagdalawang-isip na ipamahagi ang mga face mask nang libre dahil maaaring ang mga gawa naming ito ay makapagliligtas ng maraming buhay (This is our Association’s humble contribution to our community during this crisis. We didn’t have second thoughts in giving out these face masks for free because we know our simple gesture may save lives),” said Anne Marie Castañeda, President of the Masagana Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) Cooperative from Bayambang, Pangasinan – one of the two COVID-19-affected municipalities in the Region. The cloths used to make these washable face masks were remnants of their previous products.
The Cooperative is among the various Sustainable Livelihood Program Associations (SLPAs) in Region 1 engaged in dressmaking and are doing their share to fight the spread of COVID-19 by sewing affordable face masks.
The Laoac Fabric Remnant SLPA from Laoac, Pangasinan also sews and sells face masks at PhP25.00 each. One receives a free face mask for every ten pieces purchased.
In Ilocos Norte, D’ Chosen Sewers SLPA from Pinili town sells a three-ply face mask at PhP40.00 each. There is a pocket inside each mask where tissue or any filter can be placed. The association also sells face masks with foam at PhP50.00 per piece. Meanwhile, the St. Nicholas Dressmaking SLPA from San Nicolas town also sews a single-ply face mask sold at PhP25.00 each.
The Raniag ti Tagudin SLPA in Tagudin, Ilocos Sur and the Acao Women’s Association in Bauang, La Union are also sewing double time. The associations are tapped by their respective Local Government Unit as mask suppliers. The latter also sells washable face masks at PhP25.00 per piece.
The said SLPAs underwent skills training on dressmaking and received Seed Capital Fund from the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 1 through the SLP. Part of the five stages of the SLP process is the Social Preparation stage where participants are empowered to become socially responsible. (by: Janine Joy B. Altero, Social Marketing Officer, Sustainable Livelihood Program)
