Army vows continued support as 'Yolanda' ICP deactivated in Western Visayas

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 11): Army vows continued support as 'Yolanda' ICP deactivated in Western Visayas
 
The army has vowed to continue its support as the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) in Region 6 formally deactivated the Incident Command Post (ICP) for the Western Visayas last Sunday.

This was according to a belated report forwarded by 3rd Infantry Division spokesperson Major Ray Tiongson to the PNA.

The ICP oversees the humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations for "Yolanda" battered areas in the region.

“Through the joint efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), other government agencies, and the local and international aid organizations, we were able to provide the relief services and assistance needed by the typhoon-victims in the region. Though it has been a challenging experience to face the magnitude of devastation brought by Yolanda, it was likewise a fulfilling one as we can see the resilience of the citizens of Western Visayas in facing the formidable test brought by the calamity,” 3rd Infantry Division and ICP commander Major Gen. Aurelio Baladad said.

Tiongson assumed the ICP last Nov. 22 after the AFP transitioned from Disaster Response Task Force "Yolanda" to Incident Command System.

With the establishment of the ICP at the Roxas City Airport, the command was able to implement its incident action plan in a systematic and integrated fashion in coordination with the government agencies and aid organizations both local and international.

As this develops, Baladad also lauded the assistance provided by the Army’s 552nd Engineering Construction Battalion.

The unit assisted in re-roofing of 20 school buildings in Estancia, Iloilo that now serve as evacuation centers for 569 families with 2,035 persons, construction of 127 tents, 56 bays of latrine, 16 bays of shower room, and laying of pipes and installation of water faucets for water distribution lines that cater to the needs of the evacuees.

Following the deactivation of the ICP in the Western Visayas, the AFP reduced its workforce to an optimal size to provide force protection, and conduct combined medical mission and engineering assistance with the Canadian Armed Forces until they leave the country.

“Although the ICP is now deactivated, the Armed Forces in Western Visayas remains committed in providing support to the recovery and rehabilitation efforts that will be undertaken by the local government units as the people of Western Visayas altogether work in the spirit of 'Bayanihan', to rise from the shadows of 'Yolanda',” Baladad said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=595692