Mother’s Day in the time of Coronavirus

You taught me everything

Everything you've given me
I'll always keep it inside
You're the driving force in my life, yeah...

There isn't anything
Or anyone that I could be
And it just wouldn't feel right
If I didn't have you by my side
You were there for me to love and care for me
When skies were gray
Whenever I was down
You were always there to comfort me.

And no one else can be
What you have been to me you will always be
You will always be the girl
In my life for all times.

— Excerpts from A Song for Mama of Boyz II Men's 1997 album, Evolution, and on the soundtrack for the '97 film, Soul Food. The '90s R&B group waxes on about a mother's nourishing and unconditional love.

 

Mother’s Day is going to be a little different this year.

 

It is usually celebrated with family outings to dinner, spas or family get-togethers in beaches and homes—and accompanied by plenty of hugs and kisses!

‘To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power.’ —Maya Angelou

 

But as the coronavirus pandemic restricts where we can go, and makes social distancing a new norm, many of these traditions will have to be cancelled.

 

This doesn’t mean Mother’s Day has to be canceled this year, protested my friends-Helen, Inday Charity and Jessa.

 

They said there are many ways to celebrate Mother’s Day when you need to keep your distance.

 

"You can still get close on Mother’s Day," said fellow mediaman Inday Charity.

 

"Gifts are great, but with everything so uncertain these days, a chunk of your time is the best and most comforting gift of all," Helen shared.

 

Your VRS asked some of our friends the question: How do you honor Mom on Mother's Day when you can't get close enough to give her a hug?

 

Here are their answers:

Pauline Cucharo Amelinckx: My mom has always been willing to go above and beyond to care for me and help me. In the current situation, not being able to celebrate mother's day like we used to, I can just be an emotional strong hold my mom can count on instead. Perhaps more than before, this is what she needs the most. A daughter who can calm her worries, and help her through emotionally so we can work on brighter days ahead. I got you, mama. Love you.

 

Scarlet ‘Lailette’ Geulen-Boiser: It has always been an open book that my mom and I are just   like sisters. We technically don't share the same interests in some things. We are very opposite in so many things yet our love for each other tends to bridge that gap because  our love for each other always  win over any squabbles. I may not appreciate  her unique way of showing how she loves me but I am  pretty sure that she loves me so much and my sister too. Inspite of her old school type sarcasm at times I'm so happy to have her as my mom and can't imagine myself having another mom other than my mommy. She is strict but loving and persevering.  Thank God for such blessing.

 

Mikee Andrei:  I've been close to my mom since childhood. I was always with her helping the family business and when I went far to work, it was hard but we gotta do what we gotta do, for the family.

 

Because of this pandemic, I haven't really been designing nor make clothes but instead, I cook and bake and we sell them. (Send me a message to order *winks). I learned this another skill from her and we're cooking together now, as family. It feels good despite this circumstances we all are going thru.

 

This year, Mother’s Day is double extra for us because it is also her birthday! As much as we wanted to hug her, social distancing has to be applied even inside our home. This time, I'd be making a special cake for her together with the kids.

 

My mom has been my rock and my best friend. Mothers day is always special to me because it always reminds me how incredible she is and what she has been giving us unselfishly. Happy Mother’s Day my Mama Lina! I love you so much and thank you for everything!!!

 

‘A mother is your first friend, your best friend, your forever friend.’ —Unknown

Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin:  In this time of social and physical distancing measures, when no hugs are allowed, due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, I will post photos of Mama Wincie’s significant moments with an accompanying greeting on Facebook - my simple way of manifesting my sincere appreciation and profound gratitude to her for all the love she has shown and the sacrifices she has made for Ondoy, Bibby, Coeli, me, Honey Jerome, Cielo, and Renji. She is, indeed, a wonderful blessing from God.

 

Joy Bonita Sevilla: Mothers should also be our best friends. They will always look after us no matter what and we shall also look after them in return. We can never be who we are without them. Since I got married, I see to it that we have our own time, we hang out together by just going to the Mall or having dinner. I see to it that she’s happy and above all healthy. At this time, I see to it that I call her over the phone and check if she’s okay. I'm praying that this virus has to end, I miss our bonding moments. To My mommy Inday...Happy Mother's Day.Love you!

 

Liezl Lim -Gregorio:  I will give her a call first thing in the morning. Nothing beats hearing your Mother’s sweet and happy voice on Mother’s Day. Cooking her favorite chicharon and kinilaw would be the next task, we are all food lovers and burpers, after all. Hopefully, we get the chance to make a food delivery and see her in person and give her an air kiss.

 

Jesseth Nez Pasagad: My brothers and I came up with a plan to surprise my mom with a bouquet of flowers and a heartfelt message. They did the planning and buying, I financed (lol). We’ve always made her feel loved and appreciated so Mother’s Day is nothing out of the ordinary.

 

Vanessa Cadorna-Aumentado:  Mother’s Day is a special day for me because this is the day I get to shout to the whole world expressing my love and sincerest appreciation to my Mother whom we call Mama V. Though, she knows how much I love her, it’s kind of extraordinary when I do it on Mother’s Day.

 

I’ve always admired my Mama. She is amazing in so many ways raising all 6 of us her children. She’s loving, kind, firm yet there’s always gentleness in her own unique ways. She’s truly a beauty inside-out. Now, that I’m a mom myself, my admiration to her as a Mother just keeps getting stronger each day. She’s a part of me being a mom to my kids. Her dedication, commitment and caring ways are instilled in me. The values that I teach my children are the values that I hold true and beautiful because of my Mom. Today, that it’s Mother’s Day, I wish I could give her the tightest hug, kiss her, thank her and wish her a blessed day but due to our present situation, Covid, that’s  not going to be possible.

 

So for today, I’ve managed to send her flowers and a Mother’s day card. Then, greet her through video call. That’s the closest thing to being physically together. When this covid is over, I’d treat my mama to a wonderful lunch or dinner. We usually go out and have a Mother-Daughter bonding. That’s part of our routine.

 

Once again, a very happy Mother’s Day to my Mama V. Wish you an amazingly blessed day. I love you. And To all the mothers out there, cheers to us all!

 

Maria Fe Evasco- Everyday is Mom's Day for me. Living with my Mama Nita is a great blessing for me since I can see, kiss and talk to her everyday. Having a mother like her makes life easier for me and my family since even at 85 years old, she still manages to showcase her talents and abilities. During this quarantine time, she has sewn almost a hundred face masks for our family's use. She also takes time out to bake our fave breads and pastries. Life with Mom is simply amazing. Happy Mom's Day, Ma Nitz!

 

Dr. Joyce C. Castillo: My mom likes to eat all things pork (even if it’s not exactly very healthy for her). On Mother’s Day this year, she’s getting her favorite pork dishes. No bawal!

 

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Fiestas in Bohol in time of COVID-19

The bigger the inasal, the better. Contributed Photo

The community quarantine imposed in localities as a precaution against the new coronavirus (COVID-19) has snuffed out the fiesta atmosphere in Bohol.

May is a special month for Boholanos because it is during this month when every sitio, barangay, town and city in Bohol has a fiesta everyday.

But this year, the fiestas are being celebrated in isolation, as strict coronavirus lockdown measures remain in place around the province preventing social gatherings.

Tagbilaran City was silent on Friday, May 1 even as it celebrated its fiesta and transitioned to more relaxed measures against COVID-19.

The city was under a one-day “lockdown” to make sure there wouldn’t be too much merrymaking and to prevent people from converging.

In Tagbilaran City, residents have been advised to avoid gatherings with friends and family and are being told to celebrate in private.

May 1 marked the city’s fiesta in honor of St. Joseph the Worker, and starts the merry month of May, where there is a fiesta in every place in Bohol every day.

Fiestas in Bohol, which are very much embedded in the psyche of every Boholano,  are characterized by an abundance of food, plenty of beer and tuba and mass gathering. 

What made Bohol fiesta unique is that anyone can roam around the province for the entire month without having to pay money for food because everyone is putting up a feast to celebrate the fiesta.

Fiestas in Bohol are characterized by an abundance of food, plenty of beer and tuba and mass gathering.  File Photo

But since the city was placed on lockdown on Friday, all was silent when the mood was supposed to be festive, colorful, and bright.

There were few vehicles along its thoroughfares. There were also no banderitas and fanfare or any indications of the fiesta celebration.

“It doesn’t really feel like fiesta,” said Booy resident Nita Niluag who was looking forward to continuing the tradition of celebrating fiesta with her children. Then the coronavirus disrupted life.

"Normally, the stores are opened and crowded. The house is full with friends and family with the joy and excitement of fiesta," she added.

Churches were still closed and Holy Masses were still held in private.

Friday's Pontifical Mass, for example, tend to bring in more parishioners

This year, it’s just Bishop Abet Uy, some priests and a four-person camera crew.

The sermon was shorter, without the “amens” from the pews.

It was different when parishioners have to type “amen” in the comments of a livestreamed service or shout “Hallelujah!” alone at home.

Sister Precy was one of those who came to the cathedral on Friday to pray before the closed doors of the St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral in  to celebrate the saint’s feast day on May 1.

She said it was so different to watch Holy Mass online. She felt like she was just observing a show instead of participating in a worship.

“Here, you can feel the presence of the Lord. You can hear His voice through the bishop and priests who are officiating the mass,” said the 56-year-old visionary.

“It’s the music, it’s the people, it’s the Word that moves you,” she said. 

Sister Precy said she prayed for the end of the pandemic.

“It’s important to remember that a quarantined fiesta does not detract from the holiday. It strengthens its messages of G-d’s love, helping and praying for other people in this moment of darkness and doubt,” Sister Precy said.

Many residents hooked up with the online mass of the diocese because it is better that way than not having observed religious practices at all.

The good of the pandemic, it has renewed  spritual ties with the Lord with the nightly family rosary with special intention for protection against COVID-19, said Cogon resident Fiel Angeli Araoarao.

Sister Precy on quarantined fiesta: “It strengthens its messages of G-d’s love, helping and praying for other people in this moment of darkness and doubt.' LPU

The realities of the fiesta season, Boholanos really roll out the best for their visitors — at all cost to the point of borrowing money from " loan shark".

Pigs were bought a month and others raised a pig three months before the fiesta. The bigger the pig, the better.

Others would slaughter additional pig for "bring house."

Inasal (roasted pig) is the center piece of fiesta. Some have biggest "inasal" you’ll ever see - 80 to 90 kilos.

There is also a practice of "bandihay" wherein the "sangga" (partner) would support each other financially during fiesta. The first to celebrate the fiesta will be the first to use the money and return the favor in time he/she is celebrating fiesta.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the fiesta celebrations in Bohol are going to look different for thousands of families.

Some residents still prepared food in their homes in thanksgiving to their patron and G-d.

“We have prepared a small feast just for the family,” said Hilda Vertulfo, 38, and a resident of Barangay Cogon.

“However, visitors and friends are not invited at this time," she said.

The world is changing, but fiesta is here to stay.

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Jeycelle, Gerwin and friends spread love and kindness during COVID-19

Jeycelle Espejo: 'No one is invincible no matter how rich or powerful you may be.'

As the COVID-19 death toll continues to rise daily, and an increasing number of provinces extend lockdowns, it can be easy to feel discouraged, depressed, and uncertain of what the future holds.

But in the face of this crisis, people have come together to help other people and spread love and kindness.

Home-quarantined like the rest of the world, teacher and cultural worker Jeycelle Espejo has been preoccupied with packing rice, noodles and sardines which she distributes among the frontliners that include street sweepers, garbage collectors and security guards and, as she put it, “for those who need it the most."

Jeycelle and friends pooled resources to help fellow Tagbilaranons who are affected by the pandemic. Now, the beneficiaries cover those in need in other areas.

In her "libot pasalamat," another 15 relief packs were distributed to the most affected families yesterday, April 25, in the villages of Booy and Cogon.  Slippers were also given to the frontliners.

At home, Jeycelle is also helping friends selling avocado, calamansi, mango, dried fish and chicken at a very affordable price.

Asked what she had learned from this month-long quarantine, Jeycelle was direct to the point. "No one is invincible no matter how rich or powerful you may be. People get killed not because of this virus but because of people's stupidity and stubbornness. In the Philippines setting, the difficulties faced by our government and it's frontliners in controlling people is just a mirror of how damaged is the moral values of the people nowadays- blatant disregard of rules and disrespect for authority."

On the other hand, she said the crisis is a blessing in disguise for Mother Earth as she heals and recovers.

When quarantine is over, Jeycelle wants to go to church.

"A thanksgiving that G-d keep me healthy in this time of pandemic considering that I am among those who are highly susceptible to infection due to weak lungs and immune system. Pasalamat kay I have been given the opportunity to be of help to other, to be of service," she said.

In Cebu, Gerwin Yudelmo is busy organizing relief goods for stranded Boholanos who are appealing to be brought back home after Cebu and Bohol provinces have implemented lockdowns to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Gerwin, who works as a call center agent in Cebu City, volunteered to list down the names of the stranded passengers in a group chat on Facebook that they created to make it easier for officials to track down in case help would come.

Most of them did not have food, water, and place to stay since they had lost their jobs after the enhanced community quarantine was implemented.

"I just can't ignore. It's a time for listening and caring," Gerwin said.

He and his friends organized "Project HOPE" campaign to help fellow Boholanos stranded in Cebu. They have distributed cash, relief packs, canned goods and even a wheelchair.

"Usahay mahadlok nalang ko mag-open sa akoa filtered messages kay magsakit gyud akoa dughan ug makahilak sa mga nagka-lain lain storya sa kinabuhi diri sa mga stranded sa Cebu," he said.

"Diyos ko tagai pakog dugang kusog para daghan pa ta matabangan na mga stranded nga grabe gyud nagkinahanglan ug tabang," he added.

Gerwin Yudelmo: ' I just can't ignore. It's a time for listening and caring.'

Gerwin, a former youth leader, shared that he felt how to be helpless away from family.

"It was never easy when I started my life here in Cebu 10 years ago, I won't forget gyud katong I only have 5 pesos left in my pocket ug ang akoa gihuwat na mo help nako wala mopatim-aw. I ended up buying 1 peso candy and the rest is tubig na. Helpless kaayo ko and galuya gyud ko," he shared. 

Incidentally, he shared this article he read on Twitter. He said he didn't know the author but it’s very timely and meaningful.

“We’ve all been exposed.
Not necessarily to the virus.
We’ve all been exposed BY the virus.

"Corona is exposing us.
Exposing our weak sides.
Exposing our dark sides.
Exposing what normally lays far beneath the surface of our souls hidden by the invisible masks we wear.
Now exposed by the paper masks we can’t hide far enough behind.

"Corona is exposing our addiction to comfort.
Our obsession with control.
Our compulsion to hoard.
Our protection of self.

"Corona is peeling back our layers. 
Tearing down our walls.
Revealing our illusions.
Leveling our best-laid plans.

"Corona is exposing the Gods we worship:
Our health
Our hurry
Our sense of security
Our favorite lies
Our secret lusts
Our misplaced trusts.

"Corona is calling everything into question?
What is the church without a building?
What is my worth without an income?
How do we plan without certainty?
How do we love despite  risk?

"Corona is exposing me.
My mindless numbing
My endless scrolling
My careless words
My fragile nerves.

"We’ve all been exposed.
Our junk laid bare.
Our fears made known.
The band-aid torn.
The masquerade done.

"So what now?  What’s left?
Clean hands
Clear eyes
Tender hearts

What corona reveals, G-d can heal.
Come Lord Jesus.
Have mercy on us."

Spread love. Spread kindness. 

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Boholanos under lockdown? TikTok,TikTok, TikTok

Boholano TikTokers are spending time at home with families amid the lockdown imposed due to the deadly coronavirus pandemic. Contributed Photos

Eventologist Mizken Tirol Andan is spending time at home with family amid the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) imposed due to the deadly coronavirus pandemic.

She has been trying to find other ways to express herself these days. It turns out the former TV child star is a savvy veteran when it comes to social media.

With the coronavirus situation keeping her at home, Mizken is using TikTok as another way to connect with friends and fans.

Regil "Pipay" Gucor is also getting creative during this COVID-19 stay at home order. She is using TikTok to entertain her friends.

"I've been trying to respect the ECQ imposed by our leaders as much as possible so I haven't had the chance to go outside to enjoy summer," she said.

Instead, she's been using TikTok to look inside herself and express her creativity, and she suggests we all do the same.

Another TikToker is former Miss Bohol Maria Vanessa Cadorna-Aumentado, wife of Bohol Second District Rep. Erico Aristotle Aumentado. 

At first, she was a little uncomfortable but eventually enjoying to try and come up with more creative ideas. 

She even convinced her hubby, Rep. Aris, to dance!  And the response has been surprisingly good that people asked for more entertaining videos.

"Pa good vibes lang," she captioned one of her videos showing her dancing skills.

Vanessa also said it is also a stress reliever after packing relief goods for frontliners and constituents in the second district.

Tagbilaran City Mayor Baba Yap and Dauis Mayor Marietta Sumaylo are also TikTokers.  In one of his videos, Mayor Baba is gently cuddling his baby for a sleep. The father and daughter bonding is too cute!

Our friends in the media are also TikTokers. Ern Pahayahay and Helen Castaño are showing their funny sides.

Affected by the pandemic, it’s understandable that many people are turning to TikTok to share their quarantine experiences, fears, questions and prayers to ease their anxious minds and stay entertained during the crisis.

The social media says a lot about people's daily lives and their ability to find bright spots and humor in a dark time.

TikTok will change the way our social media works— even if you’re avoiding it.

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Passover traditions change as the coronavirus spreads

Your VRS observing the Passover in Bohol, Philippines amid the pandemic/

While the original Passover took place over 3,000 years ago, its story is just as relevant today as it was back then. It is a testament to Israel’s survival of the Ten Plagues and the Exodus from Egypt.

 

Since the pandemic is affecting all of us, we are encouraged to spend more time at home to be saved. It is also a great opportunity to remember the Passover and G-d's everlasting love for those who believed in Him either Jew or Gentile.

 

We hope and pray that every person in need of healing be healed, and all the other burdens be removed, and we wish for a healthy, liberating  and kosher Passover!

 

While times are trying now, this too shall pass! Great is Thy Faithfulness!

The Passover Seder continues despite the pandemic.

 

 

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Easter Sunday in the age of coronavirus

Easter is a time of great celebration for anyone, but churches have largely canceled their Easter Sunday celebrations or moved masses online due to the coronavirus pandemic.  Photo by Leo Udtohan

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has changed the landscape for all of us and continues to evolve.

This year, it prevents us from gathering Sunday for church services including the Easter. But still the message is the same: Christ is risen from the dead. We are one with Him again.

Easter is about victory --and we hope we become victorious in arresting the virus.

What better way to honor the sacrifice Jesus made, and celebrate the hope He offered to us through His sacrifice, than with songs of praise and love!

Your VRS has 4 favorite Easter songs and hymns. You can read alongside the Psalms and the Gospels "to feel" the spirit of the Easter. Many streaming Easter services will lack choirs. But if you yearn for uplifting religious music it’s easy to access.

Jesus took the sting for us so that we wouldn’t have too, so join with me in singing, “Hallelujah!”

 

1. Amazing Grace. A beautiful hymn written by John Newton in 1779.

Amazing grace!
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear
And Grace, my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed

Through many dangers, toils and snares
We have already come.
T'was grace that brought us safe thus far
And grace will lead us home.

 

2. Because He Lives.  It is not just popular around Easter or on Resurrection Sunday but all year long because the lyrics are timeless truth that comforts the believers.

 

God sent His son, they called Him Jesus
He came to love, heal and forgive
He lived and died to buy my pardon
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow
Because He lives, all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living, just because He lives.

 

Easter is a time of great celebration for anyone, but churches have largely canceled their Easter Sunday celebrations or moved masses online due to the coronavirus pandemic.  Photo by Leo Udtohan

3.  Christ the Lord is Risen Today. The hymn perfectly fits the Easter Gospel of the Lord's resurrection.

 

Christ the Lord is ris’n today, Alleluia!
Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heav’ns, and earth reply, Alleluia!

4. My Redeemer Lives. This brings us to the cross and to the grave, and the one is found empty because the Redeemer lives.

I know He rescued my soul
His blood has covered my sin
I believe, I believe

My shame He's taken away
My pain is healed in His name
I believe, I believe

I'll raise a banner
My Lord Has conquered the grave

My redeemer lives
My redeemer lives
My redeemer lives
My redeemer lives

 

4. I Serve a Risen Savior.  The miraculous lesson of Easter is that through Jesus' death on the Cross, we have been granted a second chance—permission to leave our old lives behind and stand before the pristine, unmarred canvas of a new day, with all its potential for joy and choices that honor God.

 

I serve a risen Savior,

He's in the world today;

I know that He is living,

Whatever men may say;

I see His hand of mercy,

I hear His voice of cheer,

And just the time I need Him

He's always near.

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!

He walks with me and He talks with me

Along life's narrow way.

He lives, He live, salvation to impart!

You ask me how I know He lives:

He lives within my heart.

 

***
Passover traditions change
as the coronavirus spreads

 

While the original Passover took place over 3,000 years ago, its story is just as relevant today as it was back then. It is a testament to Israel’s survival of the Ten Plagues and the Exodus from Egypt.

 

Since the pandemic is affecting all of us, we are encouraged to spend more time at home to be saved. It is also a great opportunity to remember the Passover and G-d's everlasting love for those who believed in Him either Jew or Gentile. .

 

We hope and pray that every person in need of healing be healed, and all the other burdens be removed, and we wish for a healthy, liberating  and kosher Passover!

 

While times are trying now, this too shall pass! Great is Thy Faithfulness!

 

* * *

Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohanINQ at Twitter /Facebook.

Bohol residents make reusable face masks to help people during pandemic

Hilda Bangalao wore a reusable face mask when she went to Cogon public market in Tagbilaran City on Thursday to buy fish.

Bangalao, 43, said she made her home-made mask since there was no available surgical mask in pharmacies and malls.

A vegetable vendor wears a washable mask as a self- protection and community protection from the dreaded coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Photo: Leo Udtohan

"It's expensive to buy outside," she said referring to reusable or improvised face masks sold outside for P50-P150.

"Practical lang ko kay para protektahan akong kaugalingon sa virus," she added.

Bangalao and other 1.3 million residents in Bohol were mandated to wear masks after Bohol Governor Arthur Yap in his executive order No. 15 last March required all residents to wear masks upon leaving their homes to fight the coronavirus disease.

Face mask means anything from the reusable, washable or improvised to the disposable masks to be worn at all times, in all public places. 

Now, everyone is wearing face masks amid the outbreak. On streets, in office lobbies, and aboard public transportation, people sport pale-hued surgical and home-made masks.

Although health officials emphasized N95 masks are the only ones known to properly provide real protection, but the world's mask supply is being so rapidly depleted.

While the health front liners are exposed to risk,
there are some residents who are making efforts to sew and give do-it-yourself (DIY) face masks to first responders and healthcare workers who try to arrest the virus.

They are hoping their efforts will bring a small layer of protection to all healthcare workers lacking supplies.

Those who answered the call were fashion designers, couturiers and housewives.

Couple Paul and Rose Ranara (of Rose Paul Silhouette) produce multi-layered face masks and improvised personal protective equipments for free to front-liners.

Fashion designer EJ Relampagos of EJ Relampagos Couture created washable and reusable face masks intended for frontliners in the province.

Relampagos donated 500 reusable masks to frontliners at hospitals,  barangay health workers and quarantine facility team at the old Tagbilaran airport.

“This is my only available resources that I can share at this point in time," said EJ.

Another fashion designers, couple Paul and Rose Ranara of Rose Paul Silhouette, also produced multi-layered masks made from non-woven fabric material like taffeta cloth to the frontliners.

They gave these masks for free to hospitals, provincial Capitol and health centers, and well, neighbors.

Rose said making their mask is painstaking, time-consuming, since aside it is a multi-layered mask, it have pocket for filter and another non-woven layer.

"Just because you're wearing one does not mean you're in the clear... that's why we put together three layers of breathable polyester, non-woven fabric, and waterproof non-woven fabric with an opening to place filters in small, medium and large sizes," explained Rose.

They explained they want to make a difference, even if from their own small ways.

The Ranara couple said they need volunteers to help them produce more masks.

"We have the raw materials and high speed sewing machines but we lack the manpower because most of our sewers already went home to be with their families," said Rose.

Jen and dozens of her fellow nurses in a government hospital are pleading for more personal protective equipment (PPE) like masks, gloves and gowns as they continue to grapple with the critical PPE shortages.

Responding to the concerns of the nurses, Rose and Paul made makeshift PPEs for free.

"We work very hard to be of service to you in the midst of this global pandemic. We get dead tired every day because we lack the manpower as many of our sewers couldn't report to work anymore. Thank God we are still left with a few very dedicated employees who never fail us. We feel emotional seeing today's output: PPE COVERALL for our frontliners," Rose said.

Nang Inday, a sewer from Barangay Booy, also made reusable, hand-sewn masks for frontliners for free. But for non-health workers who buy her mask, she sells it for P30.

Bohol-based surgeon April Lumuthang-Froilan said washable mask has limited protection compared to N95 mask.

"These are not N95 masks, but in this time they are better than nothing," said Lumuthang-Froilan who is one of the frontliners at the Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital.

She also said masks could be helpful in another sense to remind people to protect themselves in this pandemic.

She said homemade masks maybe the last resort for health care providers in places where face masks are not available.

The Bohol Island State University and its Fabrication Laboratory (Fablab) also turned over face shields made from laser-cut acrylic plastic and acetate to resident physicians of Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital (GCGMH) which the state university put up to help the medical professionals in the front-lines get the much needed protection from the virus.

Bohol province was first to issue a stay-at-home order and mandatory wearing of mask,  the safest ways to avoid the infection.

Please stay at home to protect the community! 

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