Following a shortage of supplies, a local medical equipment manufacturer has promised to manufacture and supply two million N88 face masks for Filipinos.
According to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Bataan-based MedTecs and 41-year-old manufacturer of medical equipment have pledged that they will prioritize the Philippines. MedTecs is also the company that donated some 500,000 surgical masks to the victims of the Taal volcanic eruption.
Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said MedTec would initially supply 100,000 facemasks this week and 400,000 pieces next week.
The Philippine International Trading Corporation (PITC) earlier reported to DTI that there is already limited stock of N88 face masks even overseas due to global demand.
Meanwhile, Malacañang expressed gratitude for the Chinese government’s donation of surgical masks.
According to Chief Presidential Legal Counsel and Spokesman Salvador Panelo, the two hundred thousand face masks provided by the Chinese government will soon arrive.
Also read: Duterte orders to raid businesses that hoard face masks
Face masks sold out hours after PH confirms first case of 2019 n-CoV
Face masks were immediately sold out after the Department of Health confirmed the first case 2019 novel coronavirus or n-CoV in the Philippines.
People reported face masks in leading pharmacies ran out of stock. Even those in Lazada, a famous online shop in the country, were almost sold out.
DOH reiterated that price freeze on face masks remains.
“Bawal pong manamantala ‘pag po mayroong sakuna. [May] price freeze po tayo,” Health Undersecretary and Spokesperson Eric Domingo.
(Taking advantage of disasters is prohibited. We have a price freeze.)