“Doing good is a pleasure, a joy beyond measure,” is a fitting line to describe the project of Beehive Clothing Philippines, a non-profit affiliate of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A charitable cause that demonstrated a Christlike way to help God’s other children by bringing love into the community especially at this time of the pandemic.
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As the number of COVID-19 positive cases increased in March 2020, the national government put the entire Luzon under enhanced community quarantine. This affected the operations of non-essential industries, including the religious garment production of the Beehive plant.
Nevertheless, after the First Presidency of the Church approved the Church’s participation in the global COVID-19 relief efforts, Beehive Clothing Philippines temporarily shifted their operations from religious garment production to producing cloth face masks for distribution in severely affected communities.
The humanitarian project, which began on 27 April and ended on 24 June, completed with a total of 405,400 pieces of cloth face masks.
In an earlier interview, Henry Navarro, Beehive Clothing Manufacturing Plant Manager, explained, “This project, as announced by President Russel M. Nelson, will manufacture and provide cloth face masks for the communities. These masks will be donated by Beehive through local government units and other humanitarian partners of the Church here in the Philippines.”
Navarro shared that during the first few days of operation, they were able to produce a total of 6,000 face masks daily. The number of daily output doubled during the latter part of the project.
To ensure the sanitation of the finished products, the face masks were put in plastic sheets and packed in cardboard boxes, ready for donation to different non-government organizations through partnerships with Latter-day Saints Charities, the humanitarian arm of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Safety and Security of Employees
Before the start of operations, Navarro said that the management team of Beehive Clothing Philippines counseled and sought spiritual guidance to ensure the health, safety and security of the workers.
“The leadership of the team of this facility held several online meetings to strategize the most efficient way to make the project successful,” Navarro said. “With the support from the Area Presidency and all Church departments, we pulled this project together. We are happy to be able to share with all our heart, might, mind, and strength.”
Of the 92 full-time employees in the facility, 52 were identified and willing to engage in the humanitarian project. As the management’s primary concern was the safety and well-being of their staff, they arranged for two working shifts. They also arranged for free shuttle services and food. They also secured the necessary government permits for the humanitarian operation.
Employees’ Support
According to Navarro, the employees’ support was overwhelming. Despite the health risk, many of them volunteered to be part of the project.
Algie Gesto, Beehive Warehouse driver, shared, “I am blessed to have the opportunity to be part of the project. At first, I was hesitant and so was my family. We prayed about it until I was assured by the Lord that everything will be fine, knowing that I will do it for the front-liners who fight so hard to battle this virus.’
Sewing Machine Operator, Ron Ephraim Cubillas, shared his feelings about this project. “It is an honor on my part, no matter how small my contribution was. I have learned the true meaning of Charity. ‘If we are in the service of our fellowmen, we are in the service of our God.’”
About Beehive Clothing Philippines
Beehive Clothing Philippines has been operating since February 2004 in Pasig City. Its headquarters is in Salt Lake City, Utah. Beehive facilities in Brazil, Mexico, and Utah. All 405,400 cloth face masks were distributed to local communities, from Batanes down to Jolo.