Bamboo craftsmen in Barangay Villafont in Sibalom, Antique have engaged themselves in making face shields, which are now in high demand.

Isaias Fabillo, president of the Sibalom Bamboo Crafters-Makers Association (SBCMA), said in an interview Tuesday they have embarked on making face shields using bamboo as a frame with plastic acetate.

“We are making bamboo face shield helmet type,” he said, adding they can make these using the bamboo cutting tools provided to them by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) under the Shared Service Facility (SSF) program.

The SSF will have PHP2.6 million worth of equipment but the delivery is not yet complete. Nonetheless, they were able to carry out their work easier because of the partial delivery of tools.

The group is into producing bamboo skewers, plant holder, sun driers, fish cages, hat, baskets, and winnowing baskets.

With the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic, the craftsmen have added into their product line the bamboo face shields.

“The bamboo face shield is sturdier,” Fabillo said, adding the user could just easily lift the full face acetate.

“We are selling the bamboo helmet for PHP78 a piece but the price could still go down to PHP60, especially if there would be bulk orders,” he said.

He said they could make 60 pieces of bamboo face shields per day.

“Bamboo is abundant in our barangay so we do not have problems with the raw material,” he said.

Fabillo said those interested to order the bamboo face shield, they may contact their group via the DTI Antique in San Jose de Buenavista. (PNA)