Army official leads set up of portable stations for hand-washing

With the rising cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the country, some members of the Philippine Army got creative and recycled drums into portable hand washing stations in various checkpoints around Metro Manila.

According to a report of Tina Panganiban-Perez on “24 Oras,” Colonel Joel Aquino of the 2nd Infantry Division decided to make the hand washing station so that commuters can learn the importance of personal hygiene during this unprecedented situation.

Aquino said the hand washing station, which is made up of scrap and used oil drums, is hands-free to prevent the spread of the virus.

“Ordinary faucet lang ang gamit but ‘yong transmission ng virus, ‘yon ang aming iniisip. Kahit sino puwede maghugas dito,” Aquino said.

Aside from the hand washing station, the Philippine Army also provided improvised disinfectant machines for motorists who pass through the checkpoint.

Meanwhile, mobile disinfecting equipment for facilities, screening area and isolation rooms can also be found inside their camp.

However, he said there is still a shortage when it comes to medical equipment such as thermal scanners.

With this, the GMA Kapuso Foundation donated medical supplies such as rubber gloves and thermal scanners for the border frontliners.

The Philippines has so far recorded a total of 1,546 COVID-19 cases, including 78 deaths. -- Ma. Angelica Garcia/BAP, GMA News