PECO sends help for Iloilo frontliners

In an effort to help avert the onset of a larger public health crisis in Iloilo, Panay Electric Company (PECO) responded to calls for more safety and health protection for the Iloilo frontliners and donated medical-grade personal protective equipment (PPE) to the city’s major hospitals.

The PPEs consist of 500 sets of hazmat suits sourced from US chemical and materials giant DuPont. Made from Tyvek material, the hazmat suits provide essential protection to frontliners and first responders.

Additionally, 500 sets of face-covers and Kn95 masks were supplied to reduce the risk of contracting the disease for those who work close to the potentially infected.

“Given the gravity of the situation, we consulted with the medical community so that they could tell us what they need,” shared PECO Head of Public Engagement and Government Affairs Marcelo Cacho.

“We are aware that PPE supplies are low in the country right now, so if anyone would like to donate, we would be happy to help connect them with our supplier so they can purchase PPEs at the original price,” he revealed.

According to Cacho, PECO can help connect people to its supplier if they want to purchase additional PPE donations to help frontline medical workers. In the spirit of bayanihan and to help donors overcome current shipping challenges, PECO will also help facilitate the shipments to Iloilo’s major hospitals.

“We really just want to help in this trying time. We need to work together and overcome this crisis as one,” Cacho stressed.

He further added, “Being in a hazardous industry ourselves, we understand how vital it is for our health frontliners to be amply protected. We’ve always believed that they should have the best and right tools for the job.”

The equipment was donated to both the Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC), which is the largest hospital in the city, and the Iloilo Sanitarium. One of the hazmat suits was urgently sent to Iloilo Mission Hospital to enable doctors to perform surgery on a patient coming from Guimbal, a town where there are several COVID-19 positive people.

At least 17 doctors have passed away due to COVID-19 as they were not getting enough protection, according the Philippine Medical Association last Thursday. Cacho said he does not want the same to happen to Iloilo.

“Iloilo’s health professionals and medical experts are putting themselves at risk for us, so it’s vital that we do what we can to keep them safe,” said Cacho. “We want to thank those on the frontline for their bravery. People are understandably scared right now, so we hope that this will help them feel more at ease.”

For donations, inquiries can be directed to admin@panayelectric.com or PECO’s official Facebook page. Prospective donors may also call 333-PECO to take part in the relief effort.