By BERNIE CAHILES-MAGKILAT
Taiwan’s New Kinpo Group (NKG) has announced its local subsidiary CalComp Philippines will produce medical-grade face masks and ventilators solely for the Philippine market in light of the current COVID-19 crisis the country is facing.
NKG CEO Simon Shen recently informed the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon M. Lopez and Board of Investments (BOI) Managing Head Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo of the conglomerate’s decision to repurpose some of their facilities in Batangas and Laguna to produce 1,000 ventilators and 2.5 million medical-grade face masks every month to provide much needed support for the Government’s fight against the pandemic.
Shen briefed the two officials in a video conferencing call arranged by Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) Director of Commercial Affairs and DTI's Trade Representative in Taipei, Michael Alfred Ignacio.
Lopez welcomed NKG’s participation in the country’s effort to fight the pandemic. The DTI has been at the forefront of the government's efforts to convince manufacturers and exporters to repurpose their capacities to produce critical and essential personal protective equipment, which are in very tight supply globally.
"I am very pleased to learn of New Kinpo’s very timely decision to shift their high-tech manufacturing capabilities in helping the Philippine health sector effectively address the challenges in combatting the COVID-19 threat. On behalf of the Philippine government and the entire country, I would like to extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to Simon and the New Kinpo Group for this much needed support and lifeline for our medical front-liners,” said Lopez.
According to Lopez, a big portion of the committed 2.5 million face masks and 1,000 ventilators will be donated by the Taiwanese conglomerate to Philippine hospitals and agencies in the frontlines serving in the medical and civic fronts.