The local fashion industry has stepped forward to do its part in helping the country survive the COVID-19 crisis.
It is contributing what it does best to the fight versus the novel coronavirus —sewing.
In response to the call of the medical community in the face of supply shortage in hospitals, a team of designers have come together to produce much-needed personal protective equipment (PPE)—suits, masks, and shoe covers—for the health workers.
Fashion designer Mich Dulce leads the project, the Manila Protective Gear Sewing Club, hand in hand with the Office of Vice President Leni Robredo.
Mitch got the project rolling via Facebook on March 20, when she first made a call to her colleagues in the fashion industry
Her Facebook post read: "My friend Cynthia Diaz has rolls of 75gsm non woven fabric she would like to donate that can be made into protective suits, masks and shoe covers.
"In lieu of this, VP Leni will be lending us samples of protective gear so we can make a pattern of it, and begin production.
"My studio will be focusing on making this for the time being as my team works on this from home.
"The gear will be distributed via the Office of the Vice President.
"To friends in the fashion industry who have studios/factories still in operation or with capacity to work from home and want to help, please DM me and let's try get this material to become something our health workers can use.
"If you have a sewing machine you can help. Once we make the suit patterns we will make copies of it and distribute alongside the fabric."
On March 21, Mich had assembled a small team of volunteers.
Now, the team needs more materials, and designer Rajo Laurel has gotten in touch with Mich.
Likewise, Michael Leyva has also assembled a team to produce PPE suits, head covers, and masks.
The fashion designer posted on Instagram his gratitude to the health workers and his production team, "MABUHAY po kayo at Salamat sa dedikasyon at pagmamahal sa ating bayan.
"This wouldn't have been possible without my team's dedication and willingness to help."
