Mindanao – Equipped with the learnings from the pilot in Metro Manila, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Philippines has partnered with the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines and the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education – Technical Education and Skills Development (MBHTE-TESD) to localize the EMPOWER PH platform in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). 

The Enhanced Manufacturing of Protective Wear and Equipment for COVID-19 Response (EMPOWER PH) is a collaborative online platform that connects suppliers and manufacturers to facilitate and accelerate the production and distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the country. Launched in late 2020 and formally endorsed by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in May 2021, EMPOWER PH is an initiative in response to the sustained demand for protective wear due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The project was initially implemented in the National Capital Region by helping sewing groups shift their demand requirements from garments to manufacturing protective wear items such as non-medical face masks and body suits. Now, EMPOWER has expanded to cover the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

For the initial roll-out of EMPOWER BARMM, twenty-four representatives from different learning centers in Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi joined a full-day online training of trainers in Cotabato City on May 31. The training consisted of courses on manufacturing non-medical protective wear, using the EMPOWER PH online platform, and learning the five-point vetting process. With their upgraded skills, manufacturers in BARMM will not only be able to redirect and enhance their production capabilities, but they will also be able to contribute to the economic activities in their communities. 

“Small businesses are facing a great challenge during the pandemic. EMPOWER BARMM is an innovative way to capacitate local manufacturers from the region by providing them a modern platform to be seen. This way locally made protective wear items are given the chance to reach the other regions in the Philippines and compete even with the international market,” Julius Falzado, EMPOWER Project Coordinator explained.

Manufacturing protective wear items in accordance with the guidelines of the Food and Drug Administration and the World Health Organization is one of the highlights of the courses. It underscores the importance of well-built, comfortable, and safe protective wear items. This means that products listed in the platform provide enough protection in non-medical setting. This seal of adherence also helps manufacturers increase their products’ commercial viability. 

A second set of hybrid trainings is set in mid-July which will take place simultaneously and face-to face in the same five BARMM provinces. This will be implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education’s Technical Skills Development. More than 30 participants from 13 sewing groups are expected to attend.

Aside from the upcoming capacity development activities, UNDP will also donate sewing machines and other raw materials to help local manufacturers in BARMM increase their productivity. Sewing groups that will participate in the training will be required to submit sample works and will be allowed to sign up on the EMPOWER PH platform and showcase their products once they pass the vetting process. 

With the expansion of EMPOWER in BARMM, UNDP and DTI continue to work together to extend the use of the platform to address not only the needs of different stakeholders during pandemic, but also to support other economic activities in future disasters. The platform will soon support other sectors that can provide medical protective wear and COVID-19 testing services.

For more information, you may check EMPOWER PH online.

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