Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Business support

As part of our Covid-19 response, we have developed government programs that provide financing support and more fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to assist companies in their repurposing initiatives.

The Philippine government has not imposed any restrictions on the export of COVID-19 critical products, including PPEs, allowing companies to serve both domestic and export markets. The government, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other relevant stakeholders, has also established a business matching platform for PPE materials suppliers, manufacturers, consumers, and beneficiaries to coordinate the country’s demand requirements better.

Research and development

Through our commitment to research in design and innovation, we are promoting investments in materials development which enable us to create sector-specific research into durable and indigenous materials crucial to PPE production.

Established industry

With over US$1 billion worth of exports annually, our textile and garments industry is one of the established industries which began in the 1950s. As a critical industry during a health crisis, the increasing demand and changing economic landscape make Textiles and Garments a thriving industry post-COVID-19.

The Philippines can serve as a manufacturing hub for PPE with its pool of work-ready and highly trainable workforce and preferential market access in key markets such as EU, Japan, China, Korea, and ASEAN.

The success of the country’s repurposing initiatives demonstrates the agility of the Philippines industries to adapt to changing business environments. This is anchored in the country’s growing industrial baselines and ability to leverage a broader ecosystem or intra-industry partnerships.

PPE Industry Overview

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is one of the critical items in preventing transmission and minimizing the health risks of COVID-19. WHO categorize face shields, masks, gloves, gowns, coveralls and goggles as PPE. The Philippines has already been manufacturing medical grade face masks before the pandemic. With heightened demand and disruptions in the supply chains, we’ve seen global shortages with many countries, including the Philippines, struggling to procure PPEs and its raw materials.

To respond to the needs of the country’s healthcare system and address the global shortage of critical items, the Philippine government urged and supported the local industries to repurpose their production lines using existing or idle manufacturing capacity as a rapid response solution. Examples of facilities that may be repurposed for PPE production include textile and garment factories, yarn spinning mills and electronics assembly plants.

The two-existing medical-grade manufacturers in the country are now joined by 40 more local and foreign companies that have repurposed their production lines to produce PPEs.

Philippine-based companies involved include:

• MedTecs
• Yokoisada
• EMS
• Reliance Producers Cooperative
• Distinctive Blinds and Office Supplies