Phl, 5 countries to launch projects in Yolanda-hit areas

MANILA, Philippines - The Armed Forces of the Philippines and troops from five of its allies will conduct humanitarian projects that will benefit areas hit by typhoon “Yolanda.”

Maj. Amado Gutierrez, spokesman of the Army’s 8th division, said the Pacific Partnership 2014 would involve soldiers from Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Australia and the United States.

Participants will kick off the humanitarian mission on Wednesday by launching four projects in storm-ravaged areas of Tacloban City and Palo in Leyte.

The projects to be launched are the construction of a four-classroom and a science building at San Fernando Elementary School, reconstruction of the outpatient building at Tacloban City Hospital and the construction of a science building at Castilla Elementary School.

“These projects are slated to be completed in the 3rd to 4th week of July 2014,” Gutierrez said.

Disaster response training as well as medical, dental, and veterinary programs would also be conducted in Tacloban next month, Gutierrez said.

Organizers of Pacific Partnership 2014 originally planned to conduct projects in Luzon but decided to change the venue because of the impact of typhoon “Yolanda.”

Maj. Gen. Jet Velarmino, commander of the 8th Infantry Division, said the activity could enhance cooperation and goodwill among the participating countries.

“This activity will surely be appreciated by the recipient communities.  More than the goodwill is the humanitarian touch of the activity,” he said. – Venice Amoroso and Anna Bajo