BAGUIO CITY, May 22(PIA) -- Bontoc Mayor Franklin Odsey and Sagada Mayor James Pooten expressed their gratitude to National Task Force for COVID-19 Chief Implementor Secretary Carlito Galvez for the test kits and personal protective equipment (PPE) they received recently.

The mayors from Mountain Province personally thanked Sec. Galvez during the Joint National Task Force and Regional Task Force meeting in Baguio City on Thursday.

The mayors requested the NTF for supplies to be used by the frontliners in continuing fight against the COVID-19.

The NTF provided the two towns 1,000 pieces of Rapid Test Kits, 500 pieces of PPE Suit, 500 pieces of Medical Overboot or shoe cover, 500 pieces of medical goggles, 500 pieces N95 mask, 1,000 pieces medical gloves, 500 pieces surgical mask, 500 pieces of protective gown and 500 pieces of head cover.

The Bontoc local government unit shall prioritize the frontliners and the suspected case or persons under investigation to undergo the Covid-19 rapid test.

Pooten said that as the end of May approaches, the arrival of the locally stranded individuals as well as repatriated overseas Filipino workers is inevitable , thus the need to significantly increase the COVID-19 public health capabilities and employ tactics to prevent medical services from being overwhelmed.

The rapid test kits will help ensure that Sagada will remain free from COVID-19 even during the implementation of the general community quarantine.

Galvez said the NTF continues to provide PPEs and test kits to the different LGUs especially in areas that have no COVID laboratory testing facility to help in the detection of probable cases.

Sec. Galvez turned over set of PPEs to Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong during the joint meeting. (JDP/RMC- PIA CAR)