Ever since the start of the COVID-19’s global outbreak back in January, the province of Aklan was already at high attention monitoring the disease. 

As one of the gateways to Boracay island, Kalibo, the province’s capital receives daily international flights from Wuhan City, China – the original epicenter of COVID-19. As cases of the disease were being recorded in other countries early this January, it was alarming that about 500 tourists from Wuhan City landed in Kalibo. The tourists arrived before the country cancelled all flights from the city. In order to mitigate the risks of COVID-19, the government was able to clear and send the visitors back to China.

However, that was only a prelude to the real struggle.

As of April 1, the province of Aklan has recorded five cases of COVID-19, with most patients having a travel history from Metro Manila. The provincial health office has since designated Dr. Rafael S. Tumbukon Memorial Hospital (DRSTMH) as its COVID-19 medical facility. 

However as a small province, it does not have the same robust healthcare capabilities compared to NCR. On top of that, the hospitals and its frontliners are faced with an alarming scarcity of Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs) and disinfectants/sanitation supplies. The frontliners, in order to protect themselves, had no choice but to use raincoats as gowns, plastic bags to cover their shoes, and other alternatives. Hence, #PPEforAklan was used by Aklanons on social media to call on government officials and celebrities for help.

The public and private sectors are currently working hand in hand to respond to the critical needs of the health sector. Housing and shuttle services have been set up for the province’s frontliners. Citizens such as local designers took initiative in creating alternative and improvised PPEs. Professors at the Aklan State University have also utilized their resources to produce ethyl alcohol. However, much more needs to be done and sustained as COVID-19 is only starting to take its toll in the country.

Currently, DRSTMH is in great need of surgical masks, N95 masks, protective suits, googles, foot covers, plastic head covers/face shields, and disinfectants. Aklanons are calling on the generous hearts of those who are able to donate. The following groups and organizations have initiated efforts to accept and facilitate donations:

AKLAN PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT/AKLAN PROVINCIAL HEALTH OFFICE
(036) 258-5626 or 0951 1356 577

AKEANON VOLUNTEERS VS COVID-19
Angelo Quimpo – 0998 850 7290
Alma Abadilla (Manila) – 0917 592 0455
Michelle Yu (Manila) – 0917 796 2310

PROJECT KALIBO
Thru online banking: BPI
MARANATHA B. ESTRADA
4359 0773 57
Thru G-CASH/PAYMAYA
MARANATHA VARGAS
0916 7365 617

BUEOLIGAN AKLAN
*kindly indicate DONATION PPE AKLAN; Please send a screenshot to Lyrna Esmeralda-Hewitt and a copy to Erwin Ricamonte or Cyda Alejandro Maribojo.

Deposit via BPI Savings Account
Lyrna L Esmeralda
6006 785 091
Palawan Pawnshop/Western Union
Erwin N. Ricamonte
0949 9927 471
GCash
Cyda Maribojo
+63 917 1332 932

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Author
Alec Templonuevo
Managing Editor for Online Media