One thing that the COVID-19 pandemic has done is reveal the resilience and resourcefulness of Filipinos. These qualities are not strange to us, since we as a people have proven this time and again. From bartering communities and the development of home entrepreneurship to the influx of products relevant to the times, we are doing what we can to survive.
The word ‘survive’ is significant because we are still at war with an enemy we can’t see. Invisible and powerful, the virus can make its way to our systems without warning. Therefore, we need to be armed with the proper artillery to fight back just as a soldier is never without his weapon when heading for battle.
Face masks are the most necessary tool to have these days. There are many variants, but the ones that provide the most protection are the N95, FFP1, and surgical masks. Locally, there is a high demand for surgical masks, and the men behind VShield+Pro face masks came together to address this.
Made by Filipinos for Filipinos
VShield+Pro disposable, fluid-resistant face masks are the first FDA-approved surgical masks to be manufactured in Visayas through Paramount Protection Enterprises Incorporated (PPE Inc.) Spearheaded by incumbent Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Felix Taguiam, RDC-Economic Development Committee Chairman Virgilio “Nonoy” Espeleta, and Sea Road Trading Operations Manager Gino Reyes, Paramount Protection Enterprises Inc. was born out of the desire to further stabilize the supply and demand of face masks in Cebu, after prices of this protective equipment unimaginably skyrocketed at the beginning of the year. The idea was born out of necessity, but its founders were also fueled by the vision of a more self-sufficient Cebu.
Produced in partnership with Treasure Island Industrial Corporation, the PPE Inc. group is confident in the quality and production standards of the face masks.
Made by a 100% Filipino team, VShield+Pro masks have 95% filtration efficiency and are UV-sanitized. The ‘V’ in VShield stands for virus, which the mask shields us from. ‘Pro’ represents protection, professionals who prioritize quality, and the commitment of VShield+Pro to being pro-people because every Filipino deserves the best protection.
The Ceremonial Ribbon Cutting during the opening
This was born out of necessity but our vision for a self-sustaining Cebu pushed us to really make this happen – CCCI President Felix Taguiam
Fr. Bob Ebisa blesses the facility
Reliable Protection
Each VShield+Pro face mask is made of three layers: a soft, absorbent, non-woven inner layer, a middle layer of medical-grade melt blown filter, and a hydrophobic (or water-resistant) non-woven outer layer. The heart of the mask, the melt blown filter is the most essential layer, as it holds the 95% filtration capability of each mask.
What sets VShield+Pro apart from existing masks is that it contributes to the bigger picture of sustainability and self-sufficiency. It promotes a love for one’s community, high regard for quality, and patronage of local products.
Sold in packs of 10s and 50s, VShield+Pro is exclusively distributed in Cebu City and Cebu province by Ever Consumers Sales Inc., available in Evercare Pharmacy, 360 Pharmacy, La Nueva Supermart, and soon in other retail outlets.
Facility is managed and run by a Cebuano staff
UV Sanitation
For more information or inquiries, you may get in touch with them through email at vshieldcebu@gmail.com. Check out their Facebook page facebook.com/vshieldfacemask and their website, vshieldpro.ph, or call at (032) 415-1308.
VShield team and guests (L-R) Gino Reyes, Ryan Uy, Kenneth Kokseng, President Felix Taguiam, TIIC BOD Daniel Ong, TIIC BOD Douglas Ong, Virgilio Espeleta
