INAUGURATION. DPWH Secretary Mark Villar (3rd from right), together with some military officials, leads the inauguration of the new hangar facility of the Philippine Army's Aviation Regiment at Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija on Saturday (Sept. 25, 2021). The project was implemented by the Department of National Defense, and the Department of Public Works and Highways under the Tatag ng Imprastruktura para sa Kapayapaan at Seguridad program. (Photo by Marilyn Galang)
FORT RAMON MAGSAYSAY, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija – A new hangar facility was inaugurated at the Philippine Army's Aviation Regiment here on Saturday.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, who was represented by Northern Luzon Commander Lt. Gen. Arnulfo Marcelo B. Burgos, Jr., along with Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar and Regiment Commander Andre B. Santos, inaugurated the project by the Department of National Defense (DND), and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) under the so-called Tatag ng Imprastruktura para sa Kapayapaan at Seguridad (TIKAS).
The TIKAS program was initiated for the mutual benefit of the two agencies wherein the DND can mount projects with the DPWH while the soldiers shall safeguard infrastructure projects in conflict areas.
Santos said the new Army Aviation hangar will serve as quarterage for the new air assets of the Philippine Army.
He said this will enhance the command’s capabilities in safeguarding its equipment, assets and enable the regiment to conduct aircraft maintenance activities 24/7.
Aside from the PHP63.1-million Army Aviation hangar, a PHP39.2-million, two-story administration building of the Light Reaction Regiment was also inaugurated.
Villar said the completion of the military facilities is expected to boost military defense operations.
“This defense standard military hangar is capable of accommodating government aircraft for storage, maintenance, and rapid deployment when needed,” he said in an interview.
Meanwhile, Villar said the completion of the new Light Reaction Regiment administration building is expected to improve the working condition of personnel involved in administrative and support operations.
He the national government through the DPWH will continue to support the construction of modern military structures in the country.
“This year, our agency will also construct another hangar and the new headquarters building of the Army Aviation Regiment. Under the agency’s proposed FY 2022 National Expenditure Program, a total of 14 projects under the TIKAS program have been proposed with a total project cost of PHP210-million and I hope it will be approved by Congress,” he added.
Also present during the event were Armed Forces of the Philippines Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, J4., Maj. General Rene S. Diaz, who represented AFP chief, Lt. Gen. Jose Faustino Jr.; 7th Infantry Division Acting Commander, Brig. Gen. Luis Rex D. Bergante; and Regiment Commander of Light Reaction Regiment, Brig. Gen. Monico E. Abang. (PNA)
