Cebu business leaders venture into face mask manufacturing

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu business icons have ventured into quality surgical face mask manufacturing capitalizing on the high demand for the product, probably in medium or long term.

Business leaders Felix Taguiam (Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry president) and Virgilio Espeleta (CCCI past president) are leading the establishment of Paramount Protection Enterprises Inc. (PPEI), together with Sea Road Trading operations manager Gino Reyes.

This group of seasoned entrepreneurs were inspired to invest in this venture to cater the high demand for surgical masks in Cebu.

PPEI will manufacture VShield+Pro disposable and fluid-resistant face masks, the first Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved surgical masks to be manufactured in the Visayas.

The masks will also be produced in partnership with Treasure Island Industrial Corp.

According to PPEI, the face masks will be manufactured by a team of Filipinos.

“VShield+Pro masks have 95 percent 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 statement said.

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 percent filtration capability of each mask,” it added.

While VShield+Pro was born out of necessity, the business venture was also fueled by the founders’ vision of a more self- sufficient Cebu.

The statement explained that 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.

VShield+Pro will be sold in packs by 10s and 50s. It will be exclusively distributed in Cebu City and Cebu province by Ever Consumers Sales Inc., available in Evercare Pharmacy, 360 Pharmacy, La Nueva Supermart, and in other retail outlets starting October 1.