DAVAO CITY - A total of 300,000 pieces of face masks were distributed by the office of the First District Representative Paolo "Pulong" Duterte on Thursday in various areas of the city.

A total of 33 barangays, of the first district and second district, were each given 9,000 pieces of face masks that will be distributed to their constituents.

Duterte's office said that the activity aims to respond to the growing need for face masks following the increase of the COVID-19 cases here in the city.

In a recent risk assessment posted in the official Facebook page of the City Government of Davao, these 33 barangays placed under "very high risk" and "high risk" classification for coronavirus. 

Barangays placed under very high risk are 4-A, 16-B, 22-C, 25-C, and Leon Garcia, while barangays placed under high risk are 5-A, 19-B, 21-C, 23-C, 27-C, 37-D, Bucana, Buhangin Proper, Cabantian, Maa, Matina Crossing, Pampanga, Panacan, Sasa, Talomo Proper, Toril Proper, 3-A, 7-A, 9-A, 10-A, 14-B, 15-B, 17-B, 24-C, 26-C, Agdao Proper, Gov. Paciano Bangoy, and Kapitan Tomas Monteverde.

Duterte earlier made it clear that the distribution of the masks does not intend to fuel panic among the public but only to respond to the needs of the concern residents. 

The young congressman also reiterated the advice of the health professionals that the wearing of masks alone would not protect anybody from the virus unless they observe proper hygiene and health protocols including physical distancing. 

"Likayi ang paghikap sa inyong nawong. Batasana ang paghugas ug kamot o pagbutang ug alkohol sa inyong mga kamot. Magmatngon ‘ta kanunay nga tanan natong lihok mabutang sa peligro tungod sa COVID-19," Duterte said.

Duterte also advised Dabawenyos that aside from practicing proper hygiene, residents should also ensure that their environment remains clean.

"Sa disiplina ug pagpakabana, ma-ampingan nato ang atong mga kaugalingon para sa atong pamilya," Duterte said.