Bontoc gets test kits, PPEs vs Covid-19

By Alpine L. Killa

BONTOC, Mountain Province – This capital town was recipient of test kits and personal protective equipment (PPE) from the National Interagency Task Force (IATF) in the fight against Coronavirus disease -2019 (Covid-19).

Bontoc Mayor Franklin Odsey wrote Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) Secretary Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., who is chief implementer of the National IATF on Covid -19 on May 11 asking for 1,000 pieces of Covid-19 test kits and 500 sets of PPEs for Bontoc. 

In response , the National IATF provided 1,000 pieces of rapid test kits, 500 pieces of PPE Suit, 500 pieces of Medical Overboot (Shoe cover), 500 pieces of medical goggles, 500 pieces N95 mask, 1,000 pieces medical gloves, 500 pieces surgical mask, 500 pieces of Protective Gown (Surgical Gown), and 500 pieces of Head Cover. 

Odsey also thanked the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) for facilitating the release of the Rapid Test Kits and PPEs and Lt. Col. Clifford Basco of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), who is also the OpCen Action Officer of Covid -19 NTF for his assistance on the request of Bontoc to the National IATF. 

The mayor added the Bontoc Local Government Unit shall prioritize the frontliners and the suspected case or person under investigation (PUIs) to undergo the Covid-19 test.

The said Bontoc LGU recognizes the important use of Covid-19 test kits and PPEs as precautionary and preventive measures against the spread of Covid-19. 

Odsey relayed that since the placement of the entire Luzon to Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) on March 16, 2020, the Bontoc LGU has been persistent in contacting suppliers even in the National Capital Region (NCR) for the procurement of Covid-19 test kits and PPEs. However, even the suppliers were experiencing difficulty in looking for the source of test kits and PPEs.