Galvez: Preparations for EDCA sites also for disaster risk reduction

 From GMA News Online (May 8, 2023): Galvez: Preparations for EDCA sites also for disaster risk reduction (By GMA Integrated News)

It will be good if the Philippine military facilities which have been designated as sites for the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement will soon be operational, Department of National Defense officer in charge Carlito Galvez has said.

Under the EDCA, US forces may access Philippine military camps to build facilities, and preposition equipment, aircraft, and vessels.

According to Cedric Castillo's report on "24 Oras", Galvez indicated that the Philippines may benefit from the EDCA sites in ways other than building its security and defense.

“The preparations of the EDCA are also for disaster risk reduction and also for climate change. If we look at strategic areas that we have, these are isolated areas,” Galvez said.

The five existing EDCA locations are in 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.

Three of the four new EDCA sites are in the northern portion of Luzon, closer to Taiwan. These are the Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Isabela, the Lal-lo Airport in Cagayan, and the Camilo Osias Naval Base, also in Cagayan.

The fourth EDCA site has been designated on Balabac island in Palawan, near the disputed South China Sea.

Galvez said the Philippines gained an advantage from the presence of the US military.

“Right now, I think we have three instances of sinking vessels. And most of the EDCA sites were able to respond,” Galvez said.

The DND is currently preparing for the country’s hosting of the 2024 Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction. Galvez said the strengthening of the military is part of the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and of the Philippines’ disaster response.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will lead the preparations for the international conference which is set to be attended by at least 3,000 foreign delegations from the Asia-Pacific Region.

“The Philippines will continue to be exposed but we need not be vulnerable... Without agreements and events such as these, it would be very difficult for us to take advantage of the best science and the best technologies as well as the best practices in the world,” Environment Secretary Antonia Loyzaga said.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/869377/galvez-preparations-for-edca-sites-also-for-disaster-risk-reduction/story/