Following the announcement of the DOTr on the mandatory wearing of face shields in public transportation, some sellers in Divisoria nearly ran out of supply and prices spiked amid high demand.
The previous price range of face shield for kids at Php 10.00 to Php 15.00 increased to Php 20.00 to Php 30.00. Those with foam previously priced at Php 15.00 to Php 20.00 and those with frame at Php 20.00 to Php 25.00 now cost Php 25.00 to Php 35.00 and Php 30.00 to Php 45.00, respectively.
Eye shields were also not spared from the price hike which now cost Php 100.00 per piece from Php 70.00 to Php 80.00.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) stated it is not considering imposing SRP on face shields since they do not fall under basic products. People may also consider resorting to DIY face shields.
“It’s very important nowadays, pero (but) DTI through Secretary Lopez said, kasi (because) he’s encouraging mga (the) D.I.Y faceshield using plastic. ‘Yung plastic na cover hard enough (plastics cover which are hard), para mag-form sa (to form on the) face and then can be cleaned with alcohol,” DTI USec. Ruth Castelo shared.
A study cited by the DOTr said 99 percent protection is assured by wearing face shields, together with face masks and observing social distancing.
– Report from Louisa Erispe
