Batanes Disaster Relief Warehouse Constructed by Philippine and US Troops

The Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) warehouse in Itbayat, Batanes was turned over to the local government unit last June 17. The warehouse was constructed by the Philippine Army (PA) engineering units and their counterparts from the United States Army. 

According to PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala, “The supply warehouse was built for the Local Government Unit of Batanes to support its HADR capabilities in times of disaster that will serve as a storage warehouse for relief goods and other HADR essential supplies.” 

Image via Radyo Pilipinas

Construction began last May 11, as part of the PA-US Army Humanitarian Civic Assistance activities under the Combined Philippine-US Exercise “Salaknib” 2024 by the PA’s 513th Engineer Construction, a unit of the 51st Engineer Brigade, together with US Army troops.

This initiative can greatly benefit the entire country if it can be adapted nationwide, making LGUs prepared for the typhoon season especially when weather conditions have become more extreme.

Another preparation and rebuilding practice which we can also adapt is Habitat for Humanity’s response in how to help disaster-affected areas:

• Early response: Clean up, home repairs and transitional shelter

To clear the way for home repairs and new construction, Habitat for Humanity mobilizes local volunteer groups and provides them with tools – such as shovels, wheelbarrows and crowbars – to remove debris and salvage materials that can be recycled for new shelter.

• Long-term response: Reconstruction

As soon as conditions on the ground realistically allow, Habitat for Humanity begins rebuilding damaged homes and new permanent housing. A popular approach is to build a core house; a small, well-constructed, disaster resilient structure that can be extended and expanded as a family’s circumstances and finances allow. Habitat has successfully used the core house model after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, and following an earthquake in Indonesia in 2009.

The Philippines continues to experience the effects of extreme weather, especially during typhoon season, therefore adapting the best practices for disaster-resilience should be prioritized by every LGU. 

References:

Nepomuceno, P. (2024 June 20). PH, US troops build disaster relief warehouse in Batanes. Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1227286

Rebuilding after disaster—Pathway to Permanence: Rebuilding Homes and Hope After Humanitarian Disasters. (n.d.) . Habitat for Humanity. https://www.habitat.org/ap/our-work/rebuilding-after-disasters