Dolefil tapped Mahintana Foundation Inc. to facilitate the production and distribution of 97,182 eco-friendly washable face mask and at the same time provided livelihood support to cooperatives and marginalized tailors/seamstresses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The foundation contracted the People’s Organizations Tibud sa Katibawas Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Brgy. Cannery Site, Elmer’s Tailoring, Unified Engineering Workers Multi-Purpose Cooperative and DOLE Gawad Pag-ibig to produce washable masks from March 17 to April 14, 2020. 

The funding amounted to more than Php1.4M, where 37 tailors/seamstresses earned an average income of Php39,398.11 each. These masks were distributed to Dolefil employees and partner municipalities in Polomok, Tupi, T’Boli, Surallah and Banga and volunteers in BHERTS and BPAT.

Here are some Testimonials from the beneficiaries

“Dako kaayo among pagpasalamat ilabina sa Mahintana Foundation sa paghatag ug higayon nga mahimo kami facemask uban sa akong mga anak, panahon sa pandemia (COVID). Wala kami magdahum nga panahon sa pandemia matagaan gihapon mi ug trabaho. Dako kaayo ug tabang sa among pamilya. Daghan salamat sa inyo.” – Elmer Gayda

Translation: “We are immensely grateful to Mahintana Foundation for the opportunity to produce face masks, together with my children during this COVID pandemic. We did not expect to receive work opportunities amidst the pandemic. It has been a big help to our family. Thank you [Mahintana] very much.” – Elmer Gayda

“Gapasalamat kami nga na-identify kami nga supplier sang washable masks para sa Dole Philippines. Dako nga tabang ini labi na para sa among kinse nga miyembro nga mananahi tungod kung walay ipatahi, wala income ang cooperative kag ang mga miyembro.” – Mary Grace Sebua, TSKMPC Care & Garments Operation Head

Translation: “We are thankful that we were identified as one of the suppliers of the washable masks for Dole Philippines. This has helped the cooperatives especially the 15 tailor members because if not for the orders, the cooperatives and its members will have no income.” – Mary Grace Sebua, TSKMPC Care & Garments Operation Head.

By: Lorielyn Patoc-Capulso