MARAWI CITY (PIA) – The Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation in Lanao del Sur has stepped-up its efforts to help the provincial government in the management of the crisis brought about by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
In a live interview over the Laging Handa Network Briefing hosted by Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar, Provincial Board Member and SK Federation President Jamil Faisal “Jeff” Adiong shared the active involvement of the SK in the fight against the dreaded COVID-19.
Adiong said they produced ‘do-it-yourself’ face shields as a humanitarian response to the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPEs) for healthcare workers.
“Tayo ay nag initiate sapagkat nakita natin ang kakulangan ng PPEs, especially during the quarantine. Dahil nga may access tayo bilang public official, we tried to use this to purchase some materials na pwedeng gamitin in the production of face shields,” he further said.
[We initiated (the DIY face shield project) because we saw the shortage of PPEs especially during the quarantine. Since we have access as a public official, we tried to use this to purchase some materials that can be used in the production of face shields.]
According to Adiong, the DIY face shields were distributed to health workers in Rural Health Units and members of the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines who are manning the security quarantine checkpoints in the 39 municipalities of the province, including the city of Marawi.
Other recipients are government agencies such as the PhilHealth, Department of Education, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and Barangay Peace Action Teams.
The SK also produced localized information, education, and communication (IEC) materials to help the public understand the threat of COVID-19.
Aside from that, they also coordinated with schools and colleges regarding the temporary suspension of online classes.
Adiong also highlighted the essay writing contest that they conducted during the month of Ramadhan.
He said most of the essays focused on messages of hope for Meranaos that there is a silver lining despite the challenges and calamities that they’ve been through.
“Natutunan namin na naging way itong mga pangyayari upang maging closer ang family bond during the quarantine,” he added.
[We learned that this (crisis) became a way for families to bond closer during the quarantine.]
While urging Lanao del Sur residents to remain hopeful, Adiong also appealed to them to be disciplined adding that their compliance with the regulations and protocols set by the government is for their own good. (APB/PIA ICIC)