By Jose Paolo S. dela Cruz
Aside from doctors, nurses and other hardworking frontliners in the medical industry, chemists are also burning the midnight oil in our collective battle against COVID-19.
True enough, chemist and former “People of the Year” awardee Pinky Pe Tobiano and her teams from Progressive Laboratories and Qualibet Testing Services have been working non-stop in formulating and providing solutions, not just for households and individuals, but even hospitals, government institutions and some NGOs.
“As chemists who are trained here and abroad, my team and I formulated one of the best anti-COVID-19 disinfectants that will kill 99.00% of virus and bacteria,” shares Pinky. Called, Viralycyde X, she describes the formila as a “gluteraldehyde with quarternary ammonium chloride, infused with French Provencal essential oils.”
The wonder disinfectant has been subjected to several trials both locally and abroad, with the help of other global scientists who specialize in disinfection. Progressive Laboratories also conducted further testing in hospitals and farms, which yielded favorable results. “This formulation is for disinfecting surfaces, kitchens, hospitals, restaurants and other public places. It kills [germs] on contact,” says Pinky.
Viralycyde Hands, on the other hand, is a hand sanitizer, which contains ethyl alcohol. Aside from its disinfecting qualities, the sanitizer from Progessive Laboratories also contains native Aloe Vera extract to smoothen the skin while killing harmful germs and bacteria. “I added one of my favorite French essential oils from Provence to leave a nice smelling feel to the hands,” she says.
The best part: these proudly Filipino-made products products are very affordable to the Filipino people.
The spirit of Bayanihan
While technology kills the virus and social distancing helps quell contamination, it is the spirit of community that truly helps in winning the battle against COVID-19.
Aside from manufacturing medicines and disinfectant solutions, management and staff of Progressive Laboratories and Qualibet Testing Services have also been making the rounds and working with several public hospitals. Headed by Pinky, they were recently spotted at the Lung Center of the Philippines, where they delivered ample supplies of Viralycyde X. “If you see the Lung Center, your heart will melt. The Spirit of bayanihan truly lives on there,” says Pinky.
Knowing full well that the elderly are more vulnerable than younger people when infected with COVID-19, the team also made sure to help Graces for the Elders (formerly Golden Acres Home for the Aged) by providing them the much-needed chemical solutions.
“We are also smoke-disinfecting the Bureau of Animal Industry because they are at the forefront of the food chain. The men and women of BAI have been working to issue food passes so that basic goods can be delivered across the border,” adds Pinky.
“We are super tired but for the country, we fight, fight, fight!” says Pinky, who chants these powerful words along with her team members in a video shared to PeopleAsia. “It is touching to see the team bravely go to work. They are our heroes. We have a long battle ahead but for sure we will be victorious!” she continues.
Chemists and disinfectants and community sprit aside, this chemist also has another piece of advice. “Thoroughly wash your hands and also disinfect the shoes. Everyone forgets the shoes, which we put on using our hands! The shoes travel everywhere we go, it steps on most germs and bacteria, so it is also advisable to spray disinfectant on the sole of the shoes!” she concludes.
