Layug: Pacific Partnership 2012 accomplishments exceeded targets
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Congressman
Mel Senen Sarmiento and Mayor Ronald Aquino of Calbayog City
posed with security forces headed by Col. Rolando C Malinao,
commanding officer, 803Bde, 8ID, PA during the PP12 project
turn-over on June 29.
(photo by 20IB, 8ID PA) |
By PIA Samar
July 1, 2012
CATBALOGAN CITY – BGen. Gerardo Layug, the Commanding General of the
8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army declared that the
accomplishments of the biggest US humanitarian mission in Samar
exceeded the targets.
Layug was also assigned as the ground commander during the project
which started in June 18 and ended today.
Pacific Partnership is the largest humanitarian and civic action
mission in the Asia Pacific region designed to strengthen regional
partnership and enhance a collective ability to respond to natural
disasters and crisis, according to Lt Cmdr Matthew Breedlove, the USNS
in charge of the media affairs.
“We succeeded because our dedication to serve the people and our
collective effort is reflective of our ‘Bayanihan’ spirit, all
throughout the conduct of the Pacific Partnership 2012,” Layug said in
his message.
“We saw the full support and unity of all government officials in
Samar and other cause-oriented organizations.”
The general also cited the combined efforts of the different national
government agencies like health, education, defense, PNP working
together as one to serve the Samareños.
He reported that the medical/dental missions done in 25 sites in Samar
and Northern Samar treated 25 thousand patients.
The engineering projects were done ahead of schedule, and instead of
three projects, one additional structure was also completed.
Although the general did not specify the locations of the
infrastructure components, organizers mentioned school buildings in
Barangay Malaga, Palanit and health centers in Calbayog and Gandara.
“The Disaster Preparedness subject matter expert exchange also
generated positive feedbacks and inputs on how to enhance our capacity
to respond to disasters,” Layug added.
He also mentioned the veterinary missions, public engagements,
community services, donations of school supplies and equipments to the
health centers.
After warmly acknowledging the benefactors of the various humanitarian
projects in Samar, the good general bid his new friends goodbye.
“As you set sail to Subic Bay from Samar Island, and on to Vietnam and
Cambodia, I wish you clear skies, calm seas and fair winds!”
(with
reports from ECB)
