BOOSTING DISASTER RESPONSE. ⁨The new multi-purpose humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) facility built by the Philippine and US armies in Itbayat, Batanes in this June 17, 2024 photo. The Philippine Army on Thursday (June 20) said the project is part of the PA-US Army Humanitarian Civic Assistance activities under the Combined Philippine-US Exercise “Salaknib” 2024. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army)

MANILA – Philippine Army (PA) engineering units and their counterparts from the United States Army have built a multi-purpose humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) warehouse in Batanes province.

In a news release Thursday, PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said the HADR warehouse in Itbayat town was formally turned over to the local government unit on June 17.

“The supply warehouse was built for the Local Government Unit of Batanes to support its HADR capabilities in times of disaster that will serve as a storage warehouse for relief goods and other HADR essential supplies,” he said.

The warehouse’s construction started on May 11, which is part of the PA-US Army Humanitarian Civic Assistance activities under the Combined Philippine-US Exercise “Salaknib” 2024.

Dema-ala said the facility was built by the PA’s 513th Engineer Construction, a unit of the 51st Engineer Brigade, together with US Army troops.

The construction of the HADR warehouse is integral to disaster preparedness and response strategies, enabling effective management, distribution, and utilization of resources critical for saving lives and mitigating the impact of disasters on affected communities. (PNA)