Pacific Partnership to improve AFP's emergency, disaster response

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 2, 2024): Pacific Partnership to improve AFP's emergency, disaster response (By Connie Calipay)

OPENING CEREMONY. Captain Daniel Keeler, Pacific Partnership 2024 mission commander (standing), gives his message during the opening ceremony of the Pacific Partnership 2024 in Legazpi City, Albay on Friday (Aug. 2, 2024). The Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. (PNA photo by Connie Calipay)

LEGAZPI CITY – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday expressed its full confidence on the "Pacific Partnership 2024" which is expected to directly assist disadvantaged populations, and promote regional resilience, interoperability, and security through comprehensive engagements.

The Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission in the Indo-Pacific.

The mission team will be in Legazpi City until Aug. 14

During the opening ceremony of the Pacific Partnership 2024, AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., in a speech read out by 9th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Adonis Bajao, said the mission demonstrates strong and effective collaboration within the Indo-Asia Pacific region.

"This mission extends beyond humanitarian assistance and disaster relief; it encompasses a wide range of strategic objectives, including territorial defense and other critical lines of effort. Throughout this mission, we aim to further improve our ability to respond effectively to natural disasters and emergencies and enhance interoperability with other military forces, improving coordination and communication during joint operations," Brawner said.

He said the series of activities for the two-week humanitarian mission will provide learning and develop essential engineering and medical skills during disaster response and community development.

"We see this activity as a timely opportunity to enhance resilience within local communities, ensuring a better-prepared future. Our collaboration with local government units, local agencies, and non-government organizations shows the importance of a multi-faceted approach to achieving objectives," he said.

Brawner said the mission aims to enhance not only the capacity for conducting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions but also to strengthen the foundation of partnership, emphasizing the collective commitment to regional stability and security.

He thanked the participation of the United States Naval Ship (USNS), the City of Bismarck, the Republic of Korea Navy Ship Il Chul Bong, and more than 200 soldiers from the United States of America, South Korea, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

"On behalf of the men and women of AFP, I extend my deepest gratitude for all participating nations, organizations, and individuals who have come together to make the Pacific Partnership 2024 a reality," he said.

Captain Daniel Keeler, Pacific Partnership 2024 mission commander, said the Pacific Partnership represents a modernization of the longstanding alliances and partnerships between various countries.

"Pacific Partnership is committed to making a meaningful impact, and we are proud to see its return to the Philippines, demonstrating our ongoing dedication to cooperation and mutual support in the Indo-Pacific. This mission is not only about practical support and skill-sharing but also about fostering and cementing enduring friendships across the Indo-Pacific," Keeler said.

He said the mission focuses on activities in areas of engineering, humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and public health that respond to the specific needs of the host nation.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1230369