ARAW contingent completes rehabilitation work in Leyte

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 2): ARAW contingent completes rehabilitation work in Leyte

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte – In support to the recovery efforts undertaken by the national government in Yolanda-stricken areas in Leyte, the Republic of Korea (ROK) Joint Support Group Philippines (Araw Contingent) has accomplished more than what is expected from them.

The latest data released by the ROK revealed that the Araw contingent has completed the reconstruction or repair of 66 facilities including 37 schools, 8 hospitals, 17 public offices, 8 Korean war veterans’ houses in Leyte and other welfare facilities.

In addition, the Korean soldiers also help in clearing facilities and debris caused by the typhoon, supplied water, provided vehicle maintenance, removed fallen telegraph poles, provided medical treatment to local residents and conducted fumigation activities in different areas.

Not only infrastructure, the Korean soldiers likewise established a Vocational Training Center located at the Government Center, Brgy. Candahug, Palo Leyte in coordination with the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) where 490 residents from various areas in Leyte including Tacloban, City have availed the skills training provided by the Korean trainers recognized by the Philippine government.

Furthermore, ROK has also offered free Korean language lessons to190 students and entertained the youths through a K-Pop dance competition and a basketball tournament.

With these accomplishments, the Provincial Government of Leyte sincerely thanks the Republic of Korea (ROK) Joint Support Group Philippines (ROK) known as the ARAW contingent for being instrumental in getting back things into normal.

In his message read by Leyte Board Member Bob Abellanosa during the graduation of 59 students in Heavy Equipment Operation Course (HEO) at ROK Vocational Training Center, Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico L. Petilla said, Leyte was truly blessed for having the Araw contingent because the ROK not only supported in the rehabilitation efforts but also set up a Vocational Training Course.

“We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the efforts made by the South Korean government.  Through the support of the Korean soldiers, everything became easy for the people to recover despite the destruction of the strong typhoon last year,” Petilla said.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2681417522199/araw-contingent-completes-rehabilitation-work-in-leyte