Taysan, Batangas – Republic Cement tapped is local partner women’s cooperative, the Asosasyong Katuwang sa Pangkabuhayan ng Bilogo (AKAP) to sew 1,000 cloth masks for the benefit of local frontliners and residents in the 20 barangays of Taysan, Batangas.
AKAP was organized in December 2016 but the Republic Cement Batangas Plant as one of its beneficiaries of the livelihood initiatives under its Social Development and Management Program (SDMP). Currently the group is composed of all women in different roles including production, purchasing, marketing, and finance and bookkeeping.
Through this project, Republic was able to provide a source of income and livelihood to community members affected by the current pandemic. Members were provided materials and the means to produce the masks in their homes, in accordance with the community quarantine rules in the area. Distribution was then coordinated with the Barangay Health Workers (BHW) of the LGU. The BHW Federation President led the distribution to Taysan residents.
Republic Cement is supporting its host communities in Batangas through providing various means of support during this difficult time including but not limited to providing N-95 masks and food to frontliners at checkpoints as well as rice to support the food needs of the community.
As of this writing, Batangas province has reported 6 cases positive with COVID-19.