Saturday, April 25, 2020

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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Saturday, April 18, 2020

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 CastaƱo 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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Friday, April 10, 2020

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.

Saturday, April 4, 2020

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! 

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


Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Coronavirus: Here's how they are coping in uncertain times


As the COVID-19 continues to spread, the public has been taking to social media to express concern over the disease and precautions they're taking to protect themselves.

Extreme times call for extreme measures. We thank our leaders and frontliners for saving the community. 

VRS asked some of our friends how they are coping/dealing with the situation.

Maria Fe Evasco:  Following authorities
"I deal with the covid situation by following what our local government has strictly enforced and of course, pray, pray and pray."

Fiel Angeli Gabin: Watching Netflix
"My coping mechanisms? Listening to music, watching “Modern Family” on Netflix while folding clothes, and praying the rosary with the Jerome, Cielo, REnji, and Mama Wincie. We are now on our 7th day of novena for protection against COVID-19."

Andrew Baker: Being obedient
"In our country, medical experts and politicians ordered us to stay at home for our safety and to follow the precautionary measures to be always clean and healthy hence, the quarantine. Our duty as citizens of this country and an individual of the world is to simply follow the directions given by us, hope for the best, and pray. Even at home, we can do something, like spreading documented and legit  information about the current situation online.The doctors, nurses, peace officers, humanitarian aiders and other medical experts did their part as citizens with roles just to eliminate this virus. Likewise, we can be our own defintion of hero by simply being an obedient, positive and disciplined citizens in this country, in the world."

Dennissa Lorelle Owen: Keeping family updated
"I believe that it's time for us to be one and to keep our faith to God as He is the answer of everything. As a citizen, I am trying my very best to follow the rules of the government because I know my simple obedience will make a difference if practiced with love and willingness. I also encourage my mutuals to be responsible in everything that they click because there are many false news circulating in the media which causes panic and horror to almost the majority.
I have used this time to cope up with the stress I had and to connect to my family. I am catching up with the household chores in order to help my parents. I am taking the rest that I think I deserve too. I know that this pandemic is causing everyone to panic and it can be upsetting but let us not forget that we are in this together and God is more powerful."

Engr. Aprilmel Lupot: Staying can be fun
"Unfortunately, we had to shut down our construction site but the Project Management Team had been working from home for the past 11 days. It’s been very challenging to fight the boredom of being isolated from everyone, especially from my family. But thanks to technology, there’s always a way to communicate to everyone. Like any normal day, I do grocery when needed, do laundry and cook for myself. On workdays, I just sit with my laptop and keep the news on the background. I try to move around as much as I can. Otherwise, I find myself doing funny things I never thought I would do—like talking to ants, separating the contents of a Dingdong Mixed Nuts and counting all 54 holes in one Skyflakes cracker!Kidding aside, I have been very obedient by STAYING HOME. It's the least I can do to help flatten the curve."

Jerome Magallen, Ph.D.: Family bonding
"Our ways of coping the situation primarily includes  the following: Always take time to pray that God will help us overcome the crisis; we will pay attention on the preventive measures  and focus on the things that we can control to avoid the virus; physical and mental well-being like making sure to get enough sleep, eat healthy foods and supplements to boost the immune system. As much as possible, we avoid news/articles in the social media that increase our stress and anxiety; pre -occupied ourselves  cooperating with household chores like gardening and cleaning for us to be more productive even in the quarantine period; and make use of the time for family bonding."

Maria Vanessa Cadorna-Aumentado: Helping others
"While on home quarantine, I've been observing the proper handwashing and teach the kids and other members of our household to do the same, use of 70% alcohol, taking of Vitamin C and wearing of mask if necessary have been practiced. Now, since a lot of frontliners are risking their lives doing their job, in our own little way we also prepared and provided them with alcohol, mask, Vitamin C and other food supplies. This has been one of the most difficult times, we can only hope for the best and pray that this too shall pass anytime soon.  Salute to all our frontliners!  May everyone be safe and healthy for the rest of the coming days."

Police Corporal Aldrin "PNP Beatbox King"  Palaca: Washing my hands often
"Being one of the frontliners, we are vulnerable to infection not only of Covid-19 but other viruses that we might get during our deployment on field manning checkpoint operations. Before going back to our home, I sanitize my uniform specially my shoes  to ensure the non-spreading of Covid-19 including other viruses that our uniform may have picked up. I am washing my hands often."

Leah Tirol-Magno: Trusting G-d
" I face this situation with a trusting heart that all this is part of a God's greater plan. While staying home most of the time, I am spending it more in baking for others."

Dr. April Lumuthang-Froilan: Safety protocols
"Being a doctor, I have no choice but to go out and see patients despite the enhanced community quarantine protocols. I just follow proper hygiene and safety protocols.Whenever I'm home, I keep myself busy doing household chores,doing my favorite pastime, and last but not the least, I pray. It's the greatest weapon to end this dreaded disease."

Ate Vi Yorong: Social distancing
"At the office I make sure that social distancing is strictly followed as well as the "no face mask no entry policy." At home I strictly impose home quarantine to my nieces staying with me especially that we are taking care of my 81-year-old father who had a stroke in 2018. I beg for consideration on the "no back ride policy" because I work together with my niece who drives her motorcycle. Sadly, because of the "no back ride policy" we just commute. I just thank the multicab drivers that despite the implementation of the social distancing, they are there for the public."

Atty. Dave Maulas: Self-introspection
"The last time I was in a confined environment was when I was on my 6-month review for the bar exam. It took a toll on my psyche, brought about by the stress expected during the grueling review. It took a toll on my finances, as I was jobless during such time. This COVID-19 situation overwhelms in comparison, especially under the present circumstance where I have people who rely from me for support. The confinement, not voluntary; income-generating activities, restricted; dealing with unseen enemy, way more stressful. But I'm dealing this situation with a similar mindset, that is to  emerge as a better version of myself after all of this. Perhaps a better lawyer given the time to read more, perhaps a better family-man given the time to be with the family more, perhaps a more-skilled individual (dancer, singer, gardener) given the spare time to learn new skills, or simply perhaps a better person. Like on a cocoon, emerging thereafter as butterfly."

Elvie Bongosia: Sleeping galore
"Sleeping galore, reading inspirational books and movie marathon!"

 ***

This inspirational "letter" from reader Anne Mustasa (address not given) she culled from the internet.

Dear PANDEMIC

You’re back. But this time it’s different.

You came in 1918 as the Spanish Flu, infected one-third of us and killed over 50 million of us. Then you vanished as fast as you came.

You returned in 1957 as the Asian Flu and killed 2 million of us. Then you were gone.

You appeared again in 2009 as H1N1 - the Swine Flu. You infected a quarter of us and 200,000 of us died - less than the deaths each year from the common flu.

And here you are again today.

Each time we call you a Pandemic.
Each time we panic.
Each time you kill far less of us, and yet we panic far more.

Because you are NOT a pandemic of DEATH or even DISEASE. You are a pandemic of FEAR.

In December of 2019, that fear showed up in our media, in our stock markets, and in our, every day lives....that same big fright you've given us today.

But you’ve been here several times and this time, we see you for who you really are:

A GLOBAL GHOST of our WORRIES, ANXIETIES and deepest FEARS.

And as with any ghost, you can only grow if we feed you.
And if we don’t, YOU DISAPPEAR.

(John 10:10- "The thief [Satan] comes only to steal and kill and destroy...")

So this time,
instead of FEAR, we choose FREEDOM
“But now, this is what the Lord says…Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” ~ Isaiah 43:1

Instead of PANIC, we chose PEACE.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” ~ 2 Timothy 1:7

Instead of LOSS, we chose LOVE.
"And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them." - I John 4:16

Thank you for VISITING.
We appreciate the REMINDER.
YOU CAN GO NOW.

** To turn VIRAL FRIGHT to VIRAL FIGHT:
1 - PRAY PRAY PRAY PRAY PRAY PRAY!!!
(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.)

WASH YOUR HANDS
(Ephesians 5:26 That he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,

3 - CALM YOUR MIND
(John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.)

4 - PASS THIS MESSAGE ON
(Mark 16:15 - And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.)

* * *

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Saturday, March 21, 2020

Bohol designers donate reusable face masks for frontliners

It’s crucial for health care workers, doctors, and nurses on the front lines of the coronavirus disease to have the proper protective gear to lower the risk of contracting Covid-19, but the world's mask supply is being so rapidly depleted.

Health experts have suggested homemade masks as a last resort for health care providers in places where face masks are not available.

As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on,  designers Paul and Rose Ranara and EJ Relampagos donate reusable face masks as the province is experiencing a shortage of surgical masks and respirators.

Good Samaritans are rising to the occasion, helping the government in its efforts to arrest the virus.

Cases in point: Bohol designers EJ Relampagos and Paul and Rose Ranara.

They have created washable and reusable face masks intended for frontliners in the province.

EJ and her staff at EJ Relampagos Couture donated reusable masks to frontliners at the Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital, Borja Community Hospital, 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.

Paul and Rose (of Rose Paul Silhouette) are also producing washable face masks for our frontliners.

In a Facebook post, they need volunteers to help them produce more masks.

"Calling volunteers who can help us produce face masks to donate to the health sector. 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," they said.

Thank you for the love, thank you for the malasakit!

May your tribe increase!

* * *

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