Relief goods on board the BRP Tarlac en route to Catanduanes (Photo courtesy of NDRRMC Spokesperson Peter Paul Galvez)
MANILA – The landing dock BRP Tarlac (LD-601), carrying 240 tons of relief items and construction materials, has been deployed to typhoon-battered Catanduanes Tuesday morning.
Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas, Philippine Navy public affairs office chief, said the relief items and construction materials came from the different government agencies, non-government organizations, and private individuals.
The BRP Tarlac, one of the two largest Navy ships, is a "critical asset" for civil-military operations and humanitarian assistance disaster relief due to its capability of transporting a large number of personnel, logistics, and supplies, Roxas said.
"This deployment demonstrates how the PN's modern assets bolster the organization's readiness and commitment to providing prompt assistance to our disaster-stricken fellow Filipinos to alleviate them from their current ordeals," Roxas said.
The ship's send-off ceremonies took place at Pier 15, Manila South Harbor with Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Philippine Fleet commander Rear Admiral Loumer Bernabe, who represented Navy chief Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo, in the activities.
Lorenzana lauded the military officers and personnel who have been at the forefront of saving lives in areas devastated by Typhoons Rolly and Ulysses.
He assured that the department would provide support in the military's modernization program so that it can better respond to humanitarian missions.
"We shall vigorously provide our Navy with assets for a better, more efficient, and prompt humanitarian assistance to our fellow Filipinos in dire times," he said.
The ship also carries heavy equipment, trucks and trailers to be used for clearing operations and rehabilitation efforts.
Catanduanes was among the provinces that suffered the brunt of Super Typhoon Rolly earlier this month and Typhoon Ulysses last week. (PNA)
