By Ali G. Macabalang
COTABATO CITY – Trained Maranao sewers have been commissioned by the provincial government of Lanao del Sur to produce protection suits and washable face masks for frontline workers and persons under investigation (PUIs) to contribute to the campaign against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
In a statement over the weekend, Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong said the pool of dress makers, organized and trained by the provincial Livelihood Development and Technology Center (TLDC), has already produced 22 protective suits and 1,300 washable face masks.
Adiong pointed out that all the protective suit makers have been trained by the TLDC among thousands of residents displaced economically in the infamous 2017 Marawi City siege.
Thus, he said, the sewers’ commissioning was two-pronged: a livelihood source for Marawi IDPs, and protection for the COVID-19 frontline workers.
Provincial Inter-Agency Task Force Spokesperson Zia Adiong posted photos of samples of the finished protective suits and face masks online..
“Their (sewers’) response is good. They will help us win the war on COVID19, while earning for the family also,” said Zia, who is concurrent BARMM parliament member.
Local health authorities were evaluating prototypes of the protection suits prior to mass production, it was learned.
Lanao del Sur, which covers Marawi City and 39 towns constituting 1,159, is among Mindanao provinces known for their earliest declaration of community lockdown starting on March 17 until April 14.
Gov. Adiong on Friday extended the period to April 30.