During the outbreak of the pandemic in 2020, when the world was caught off guard, in addition to the overwhelming surge in infections, a new crisis emerged. Our frontline heroes, the physicians, and nurses, were falling victim to the COVID-19 virus, paying the ultimate price for their dedication.

The physicians, bound by the Hippocratic Oath, found themselves torn between their duty on the battlefield and the fear of retreating to the safety of their homes, which some may perceive as wisdom but others as cowardice. My friends, who were physicians, called me with heavy hearts. Their voices were devoid of tears, but their anguish was palpable. They urgently sketched designs on scraps of paper and sent them to us, desperate for a solution to protect themselves.

At that critical juncture, my business partners, Anson & Roy, and I possessed the capabilities to design and fulfill this life-saving glass intubation hood apparatus request for our frontliners. We quickly developed prototypes and sent them to hospitals for trials. The doctors, continuously refining the designs to enhance functionality and ease of use, guided us. It was in this crucible of necessity that the aerosol-tempered glass intubation hood was born.

My business partners and I swiftly manufactured over 300 units, with an average cost of 4,500 PHP per unit, totaling 1,350,000 PHP. These were promptly delivered to hospitals eagerly awaiting them as the COVID-19 pandemic raged on. Distribution to far-flung hospitals beyond our immediate reach was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Rotary Club of Mandaluyong, of which I was a part, and the Rotary Club of Pasig, where I was active at that time.

We may have been among the few in the Philippines producing and distributing the highest number of aerosol-tempered glass hoods when they were most desperately needed. While some companies opted for acrylic material to donate or sell, a lighter material, the consistent feedback from our frontline heroes was that it lacked the visual clarity of our tempered glass and was less durable when cleaned and disinfected with strong chemicals.

A limited number of these Aerosol Glass Intubation Hoods remain in the warehouse of my friend Ronnie Siasoyco, who was kind enough to house this lifesaving medical apparatus. If anyone still requires these aerosol hoods, they are available for pick-up in the Pasig City area, free of charge. Please message us if you are interested.

Humanity is grateful for the resilience of mankind in this world crisis, and we pray that those who survived remember this critical event as we take care of our second chance at precious life."