PA's 4th Infantry Division successfully tests 'improvised rescue boat'

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 16): PA's 4th Infantry Division successfully tests 'improvised rescue boat'

In line with its community development and disaster response mission, the Cagayan De Oro City-based 4th Infantry Division has successfully tested its "improvised rescue boat" during emergency drills at the Libertad River in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte.

The improvised watercraft, made from old plastic drums and metal sheet, is equipped with a motor engine, giving it the capability to maneuver.

The successful river test was conducted by troopers of the 402nd Infantry Brigade and officials of the Butuan City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

“We are very thankful for this innovation from the Philippine Army because it is very useful, especially that most of the areas affected by floods are barangays near Agusan River and coastal areas," BCDRRMO head Gracia Q. Burdeous-Espere said.

The improvised rescue boat is now being utilized by the Butuan City disaster response units and personnel from the 29th Infantry Battalion and Philippine National Police-Butuan.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=605787