US pledged P11-B for disaster-response choppers
By J.Lo
"I am also pleased to share US pledge of $100 million or P5.5-billion modernization assistance in this regard, which will be utilized for acquisition of HADR-configured medium-lift helicopters for disaster response and non-combat operations of our Armed Forces," Defense department officer in charge Carlito Galvez said in statement United States has pledged US$100 million or over P5.5 billion for acquisition of medium-lift helicopters for disaster response and non-combat operations of Armed Forces of the Philippines. Also in statement, Galvez said US has also increased to US$100 million funding for Philippine military facilities US forces may access under Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.
" US has also increased funding for development of EDCA sites from $82 million to $100 million, which is equivalent to another P5.5 billion… brings total of US's pledge of support for HADR helicopters and EDCA projects to P11 billion," he stressed.
Galvez said various projects at EDCA sites, mostly for warehousing and storage of humanitarian assistance and disaster response-related material, are scheduled for completion by the end of 2023.
There are at present five EDCA locations. Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan, Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu, and Lumbia Air Base in Cagayan de Oro City.
Philippine and US officials in early April announced designation of four additional EDCA sites, Naval Base Camilo Osias in Sta Ana, Cagayan; Lal-lo Airport in Lal-lo, Cagayan; Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; and Balabac Island in Palawan.
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