THE Central Philippines State University (CPSU) in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental is one with the nation in its move to contain and combat the Coronavirus or COVID-19.
CPSU President Dr. Aladino C. Moraca says the acronym CPSU PROTECT was used as the embodiment of the University’s relief and response efforts to help frontliners and the community, especially the underprivileged farmers during these most pressing times.
These efforts include the following vital strategies:
Under Participatory Approach, the CPSU responds in the country’s call to take part in preventing and immediate eradication of COVID-19.
Based on National Advisory, the following were undertaken: Classes were immediately suspended during the General Community Quarantine;
Faculty members were encouraged to make use of e-learning, distance learning, and the like;
Skeletal workforce is adopted at the CPSU’s frontline offices; and,
Social and physical distancing is highly observed among employees and officers.
Under Research-based Initiative, CPSU uses a local disinfectant produced from Citronella and Lemon Grass extracts which contain compounds that act as natural antiseptic which can be a substitute for commercial alcohols.
Under Objective-Driven, Moraca says that with the main aim of preventing the spread of the virus, the CPSU’s Medical and Dental Health Unit provided sanitizers, alcohol, and bottles of bleach.
The CPSU also assisted local farmers within the community, where they were given the privilege to sell their produce at the “CPSU Market-Market” at reasonable prices.
This benefits hundreds of households in the community as it ensures constant supply and easy access to fresh and organic vegetables, fruits, among others, especially during this quarantine period.
On the Technological Advancement aspect, thermal scanners are used by the CPSU Emergency Medical Responders and security guards at the main entrance gate to check the temperature of every person who enters the campus, then sprays their hands with alcohol.
Face shields were also prepared by the CPSU’s Medical and Dental Health Unit for distribution to the frontliners in hospitals within the city.
For Effectiveness and Efficiency, the washable face masks were made of a special type two-layer clothing material which contains a non-woven cloth to serve as the filter.
For Collaborative Efforts, the sponsors included the Research and Development Center (RDEC) with the Extension and Community Services Office (ECSO) of CPSU, in collaboration with the Graduate School, Environmental Management Services and College of Agriculture and Forestry for the washable face masks with filter.
The RDEC and ECSO in collaboration with the Junior Chambers International and CHICKS United also prepared packed meals, fruits, juices, and bottled water.
The Office of the Vice-President for Research and Extension, ECSO and College of Agriculture and Forestry, including PAGKAON, Inc. (composed of CPSU Alumni) in collaboration with CPSU-CAF and the Camingawan Barangay Council prepared food packs. Other donors included the Kristianong Katilingban.
While the Region-6 office of the Department of Agriculture and RU Foundry and Machine Shop Corporation took care of consolidating sources of farm products in Southern Negros.
The timely efforts initiated of the CPSU were immediately implemented to benefit hundreds of beneficiaries. (jaypeeyap@ymail.com/PN)
