Army to buy P530-M disaster response equipment

MANILA, Philippines - The Army is planning to acquire P530 million worth of equipment to boost its disaster response capabilities.

Army spokesman Capt. Anthony Bacus said the procurement of engineering and disaster response equipment would start this year.

“The Philippine Army is set to procure new equipment in order for the troops to be more responsive to the needs of the people, especially in times of disasters,” he said.

Among the equipment to be purchased are six units of road rollers, 30 units of dump trucks, 14 units of excavators, eight units of road graders, and 12 units of dozers.

“If acquired, these (pieces of) equipment will be distributed and deployed in strategic areas nationwide areas for faster, better and improved disaster relief strategy,” Bacus said.

Bacus noted that Army soldiers have served as first responders in times of calamities like typhoons, floods, and earthquakes.

He said Army disaster response units are strategically located in disaster-prone areas.

“Engineering units and assets are also deployed to help the local government units in rehabilitating communities by expediting the clearing of roads that link the far-flung barangays to the city,” the Army spokesman said.

“Crucial to the successful conduct of disaster response and relief operations is the Philippine Army's strong ties with the local government units, as well as private organizations,” he added.