MANILA -- The five rubber boats and one amphibian truck donated by San Miguel Brewery Incorporated will be a big boost to the military's humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) capabilities.
This was emphasized by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana during the turnover ceremonies held at the General Headquarters Canopy Area, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City Wednesday afternoon.
"The DND is truly grateful to San Miguel Brewery for donating one amphibian truck and five sets of rubber boats. These equipment will be of great use to our Armed Forces in providing humanitarian assistance and conducting disaster response operations, which are among the core functions of the DND," Lorenzana said.
The defense chief stressed that amphibian trucks and rubber boats have proven to be critical HADR assets that can certainly make the DND response to crisis mitigation more rapid, coordinated, and appropriate.
"This is in terms of ensuring faster and more effective delivery of relief and aid, and having the capability to perform critical missions even in areas that are inaccessible," he pointed out.
Lorenzana also assured the donor that the equipment will be put to good use by upholding the people’s constitutional rights to life and property, addressing the root cause of vulnerabilities to disaster; and strengthening the country’s institutional capacity for disaster risk reduction and management; and building the resilience of local communities to disasters.
"We are grateful for all our stakeholders like San Miguel Brewery for helping us in attaining these goals. The concerted efforts of the public and private sector will certainly lead to a safer and more secure Philippines," Lorenzana concluded. (PNA)
