MANILA – Face mask manufacturer Medtecs International Corp. has committed to further increase its production to meet surging demand brought about by the rising cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in the country.
“On masks, [we] renegotiated with lone manufacturer Medtecs to increase supply to Philippines from 1.6 million (pieces) a month to 4 million so we can increase replenishment for the drugstores,” Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said in a text message Thursday.
Lopez said the initial volume that will be produced by Medtecs will be distributed to health workers and frontliners of the Department of Health and Red Cross.
He added the country will also source 2.5 million pieces of face masks from India which can be supplied to drugstores.
On Wednesday, the DTI held an emergency meeting with manufacturers of basic necessities and prime commodities, as well as alcohol and disinfectant producers, to give updates on the supply of these products.
In a statement of DTI Thursday, the manufacturers of basic goods said they have stocks good for one month or less. They also committed to ramp up production if the demand further increases.
“Consumers need not worry as we have enough stocks of basic goods in the market. The DTI is working closely with the manufacturers and retailers to ensure continued flow of supply in the market and reasonableness of prices of basic goods, including disinfectants,” Lopez said.
He also ordered supermarkets and retail stores to strictly limit selling of alcohol to two bottles per transaction to prevent shortage and possible re-selling of the product for higher prices. (PNA)
