Cagayan de Oro-based Fashion Designer Guela Ampong recently made waves online after sharing a Philippine flag-inspired PPE design to honor the country’s “modern-day heroes.” This proves that in times of crisis, the Filipinos find ways to unite and come up with brilliant ideas to help each other and survive.
PPEs for the COVID-19 frontliners
“They are the front liners. Since we are Filipinos, the design somehow shows our national pride,” Guela told CNN Philippines’ The Source.
“When we found out that the number of positive cases here are increasing, all of us were alarmed. There was a shortage of PPEs and a lack of materials, we didn’t know what to use. Until my friend, who is also a doctor (refers to Dr. Jamillah Watamama), came to me and said, ‘Help us. Help me with this. Let’s make a drive to produce PPEs because we really have none. And the number of COVID positive cases are increasing.'” Guela talked about how it all started.
He then collaborated with several dressmakers to help him with the massive production of PPEs to fulfil the needs of various hospitals.
To ensure safety, his team brought with them the sewing machines and other materials needed to work from home.
Guela made the Philippine flag-inspired PPE as a reward to his friend, Dr. Jamillah Watamama. The front liners, despite the fear, bravely fought COVID-19; taking to heart the commitment that no matter what happens, they will never give up the fight. This inspired him to create the PH flag-inspired PPE.
Dr. Jamillah Watamama, Guela’s partner in this project and a front liner herself, said that aside from the suit’s eye-catching design, it hopes to boost the morale of the healthcare workers fighting against coronavirus.
“The Filipinos are resilient. Whatever problems we face, we manage to get back up. It is something that can uplift the spirit of the front liners,” Dr. Jamillah Watamama said.
PPE symbolizes the Filipinos
Guela’s decade-spanning career in the fashion industry
Guela has been in the fashion industry in Cagayan de Oro for 11 years now. Known as CDO’s first young finest designer, he is the youngest to organize his own fashion shows. Also, he actively takes part in various events.
At a young age, Guela has been passionate about creating designs. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, became a registered nurse and later on pursued his passion, to become a fashion designer.
(Photos courtesy of Queen Guela Ampong and Dr. Jamillah Watamama)