The Department of Science and Technology Regional Office XI (DOST XI) has begun the distribution of 15,000 units of face shields to medical and non-medical frontliners in Davao Region. Among the recipients of the face shields are health workers, security forces, and local government units (LGUs).

These face shields were fabricated by the DOST-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) to answer the country’s need for more supplies of personal protective equipment (PPEs) for frontline workers amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The project was funded by the DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD).

A total of 3, 000 pieces of face shields each are allotted to Davao City, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental and Davao Occidental, while 2, 000 pieces for Davao del Sur and 1,000 for Davao de Oro.

According to DOST-MIRDC, it initially produced 3D-printed face shields that were distributed to frontliners who are bravely fighting COVID-19 but in order to significantly boost the supply of face shields, it transitioned to plastic injection technology, increasing production volume by up to 2,500 pieces of face shield frames per day. The mass production was also done through the efforts of its technology partner organizations who donated raw materials, lent equipment and facilities. - DOST XI S&T Promotion

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