DOST produces bamboo-framed face shields for frontliners

Published May 5, 2020, 3:08 PM

With the concurrent shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Forest Products Research and Development Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-FPRDI) produced bamboo-framed face shields that they distributed to to frontliners in Laguna.

DOST Secretary Fortunato dela Pena said in his Facebook page that the institute produced at least 340 bamboo-framed face shields which were turned over to the University of the Philippines Los Baños, some barangays in Los Baños, Laguna, and rural health units of Los Baños and Bay, Laguna, among others.

More batches will be produced and distributed in the coming weeks.

“Our team had to improvise with the materials at hand because the enhanced community quarantine made it challenging to procure supplies,” explained DOST-FPRDI Director Romulo T. Aggangan.

According to FPRDI, the frames of the face shields were made from bamboo (kauayan-tinik) — a perennial, woody-stemmed grass known for its versatile uses. Bamboo grows very well locally and is a favored raw material for handicraft and furniture production.

“The DOST-FPRDI is one with the science community in finding ways to protect our frontliners and the public from COVID-19. Currently, we are exploring other possible uses of forest products to help combat this global pandemic. The use of R&D and scientific facts is all the more needed to cope in these challenging times,” Aggangan said.

The science and technology secretary bared that FPRDI also formulated antimicrobial liquid and bar hand soaps using cinnamon and bamboo activated carbon, with lavender, manila elemi and eucalyptus oil scent.

Further studies are being conducted such as bioassay testing and sensory test prior to distribution. DOST-FPRDI targets to partner with local bamboo-based companies to speed-up the manufacture of these anti-microbial soaps.

He added that In the absence of soap and water, an antimicrobial hand mist was formulated and is now being tested by the Institute. The hand mists were made from cinnamon with lavender/ manila elemi oil scent.

SOURCE: https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/05/05/dost-produces-bamboo-framed-face-shields-for-frontliners/