CAMP AQUINO, Tarlac City-Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) is eyeing the utilization of its Army, Air Force, and Naval camps as evacuation centers during calamities.
“Learning from the experiences of four strong tropical disturbances that directly hit our area of responsibility (AOR) this year namely Labuyo, Maring, Odette, and Santi as well as from Super Typhoon Yolanda, I realized that our camps can serve as temporary shelters of survivors since we have big spaces and are far from flooded and landslide places,” NOLCOM Commander Lieutenant General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. said.
“Instead of airlifting or transferring them to neighboring towns or provinces because their houses and even designated evacuation centers had been severely damaged, why not let them stay in military camps where they will not only be given food but medical treatment as well? I will direct all of my commanders up to the battalion level to be prepared to accept evacuees. We will ask funds for this,” Catapang added.
“Camp Aquino and Fort Magsaysay alone can each accommodate up to 200 families while clearing operations and early recovery efforts are ongoing,” the military unified command chief pointed out.
Meanwhile, Catapang disclosed that they are currently making furniture out of trees in Camp Aquino that were downed by typhoon Santi last month.
Proceeds from the sale of such items would go to the survivors of Super Typhoon Yolanda, Central Visayas earthquake, and Zamboanga siege.
NOLCOM consists of the Army’s 5th and 7th Infantry Divisions, which are based in Isabela and Nueva Ecija respectively; Naval Forces Northern Luzon, which is based in La Union; and the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Tactical Operations Groups of the 1st Air Division of the Air Force. (Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu)
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