City employees and frontliners of the City Government of Malaybalay gathered at the City Covered Court, Barangay 4 to witness the ceremony of the turnover and distribution of various sets personal protective equipment (PPEs). These items were donated by the Kaanib Foundation in partnership with Childfund Philippines in their BUILDCA²P Project and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on August 11, 2020.

A total of 100 pieces of face shields, 100 boxes of surgical masks, 400 pieces of cloth face and 50 gallons of alcohol were among the donation; each were intended for use of our City’s frontliners especially those who are manning the operation at Enhanced Screening Area (ESA).

DOLE Officer Ruben Biado expressed his gratitude for the hardwork of the frontliners, saying, “With these PPEs, masks, alcohol and face shields, it will help us protect our bodies getting infected from Covid-19.”

In response, Executive Assistant V Roberto T. Flores also thanked the frontliners for their sacrifice, service and untiring effort since the onset of the pandemic. He commended local IATF chairperson, Dr. Dennis Sanggalang for running the efficient operation of the one-of-a-kind ESA facility which was initiated by Mayor Florencio T. Flores, Jr.

Representative and coordinator of Childfund Philippines, Alvin Dumduma also thanked the City Government for the unwavering support and accommodation given to them. He said, witnessing how prepared Malaybalay is, adding, “The children and families will be more protected because the frontliners are also protected with proper PPEs in our fight with the virus.”

In addition, Executive director of the Kaanib Foundation, Erlinda Sayago, reminded everyone to keep safe and be united in our call to end this crisis through adhering the government advisories and observe proper health protocol.

Rural health physician, Dr. Susan Marie Punongbayan ended the event thanking the sponsors and donors for acknowledging the frontliners, “This is not just about Covid-19 but it is about healing as one and helping each other in every aspect of the society,” she added.