ILIGAN CITY (PIA) — As the Local Government Unit of Iligan City is making headway in fighting the battle against COVID-19, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – X through its Provincial Science and Technology Center of Lanao del Norte took part in the locality’s response to the pandemic.
A total of five (5) aerosol boxes were handed to City Mayor Celso G. Regencia last April 6, 2020. Three (3) of which were given to Gregorio T. Lluch Memorial Hospital. The other two (2) boxes were turned over to the Iligan Medical Society to be placed at Iligan COVID-19 Quarantine and Treatment Facility located at E&R Hospital.
These aerosol boxes will help frontliners reduce exposure from aerosolized particles during the intubation of COVID-19 patients. “These will not only be used for intubation but also can be utilized for suctioning, AMBU-bagging, and any other minor procedure due to its dimensions and holes sizes that are enough for manipulation of the hands,” says Dr. Michele Remarata of Iligan Adventist Medical Center. Dr. Ramarata provided the design and specifications of the fabricated aerosol boxes.
On April 7, 2020, DOST-X donated 450 bread loaves that were distributed to the frontliners of Iligan City. Frontliners include Medical Personnel, Police Officers, and even Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) of local Barangay units who are on duty round the clock to help secure the safety of Iliganons. These bread loaves were distributed to the mentioned frontliners as food supply during operation.
The donated aerosol boxes and bread loaves were locally supplied by Emrys Industries and Racquel’s Bakeshop of Iligan City, respectively. Both are DOST – Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) beneficiary. The items were sold by suppliers to DOST-X at a cost to also show their support to the government in the fight against COVID-19.
“This action may not suffice the requirement to combat COVID-19 in our locality, but we hope that this will stimulate the drive of “Bayanihan Spirit” among different sectors and that we ultimately prevail in this battle against COVID-19,” said Ms. Gerrylou Sweet M. Pia, Officer-In-Charge of DOST Lanao del Norte as she expressed her support to LGU Iligan in the fight against COVID-19. (Dorina Marie E. Ytang/DOST-X Lanao del Norte/PIA ICIC).
