MVP Group donates rescue equipment to AFP

MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) yesterday received disaster rescue equipment, including a P25-million helicopter, trucks and boats from the MVP Group of companies.

A ceremonial signing of deed of donation was held at the AFP headquarters led by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, AFP chief Gen. Gilbert Gapay and MVP Group chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan.

The donation includes a Bo105 multipurpose helicopter through the Metro Pacific Investments Corp. Foundation.

The three arms of the AFP – Army, Air Force and Navy – also received two sets each of rescue boats with paddles and life vests from PDLT-Smart Foundation.

Three vans and a wing van from One Meralco Foundation were also turned over to the AFP.

Lorenzana said the equipment would be used for disaster relief management.

Pangilinan said their ties with the AFP date back to over a decade.

He said the equipment would help augment the government’s capability to respond effectively to disasters and calamities.

The AFP also signed an agreement with the Makati Medical Center Foundation for the renewal of its public-private partnership for the strengthening of military treatment facilities nationwide.