Project "Katsa"

(by MA. ELOISA P. GARCIA from DSWD Field Office VI)

When COVID-19 hit the Philippines, none of us could have predicted the impact. In an attempt to mitigate the risks of community transmission, the Iloilo City government, at the onset, passed an ordinance mandating all Ilonggos to wear protective masks in public places. We, at the DSWD, were among the primary agencies tasked with ensuring that the public receives the basic services they need. But being at the forefront, we also needed protective clothing - facemasks at least. And that’s how “Project Katsa: Free Facemasks for All” was born.

The feat seemed enormous so I first approached a local bakeshop, Angelina Bakeshop, hoping to collect their excess katsa (muslin cloth) sacks from the flour they use for baking bread. Immediately, they responded by sending in 50 bundles of katsa sacks to jumpstart the project. But the katsa needed more able and willing hands to turn them into facemasks because by myself, it would take forever to finish making them. I first approached our employees’ organization, the Social Welfare and Development Employees Association of the Philippines (SWEAP), who agreed to help with the project. Thereafter, we reached out to various groups, private individuals, and even LGUs to help convert the katsa into facemasks.

Initially, the project only targeted 1.200 masks for distribution. But volunteers came to help make more masks! The Regional Center for Women, SOS Children’s Village, and UPV students all expressed willingness and enthusiasm for the project. After the last piece of katsa was sewn, a total of 3,000 katsa masks - more than double the initial goal — were produced and distributed to DSWD employees in Region 6! The recipients also included security guards, barangay officials, garbage collectors, construction workers, vendors, and drivers outside WVMC. For many, it wasn\"t just getting the mask for free that thrilled them. It\"s knowing that their mask was a labor of love.

They say adversity brings out the best in us. But perhaps, this one brought out the heroes in us. For each mask made and given to the non-expecting recipients, was a silent testimony of our compassion, courage, and kinship knowing that we were doing something for the greater good.

(Ms. Ma. Eloisa P. Garcia is a Social Welfare Assistant of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Regional Field Office VI)