As the country adapts to the “new normal,” more face shields, hands-free dispensers, and foot baths will be required. Other than plastic and metal, there are a lot of locally-available and renewable raw materials that can be utilized.
The Forest Products Research and Development Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-FPRDI) used lapnis as a frame for face shields and bamboo-abaca to develop hands-free dispensers with foot baths. Using these resources, the raw materials are more sustainable and ecological, waste decomposition and pollution issues are lower, and the products are cheaper than metal or plastic-based products. The mentioned projects are part of the Good Agri-Aqua Livelihood Initiatives towards National Goals (GALING) PCAARRD program, the Council’s quick response to the government-led efforts against the COVID-19 pandemic in accordance with the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.