The Philippine Army (PA) announced that its Cebu-based 53rd Engineer Brigade (53EBde) has deployed several units to help in the ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts in communities in the Visayas battered by Typhoon Odette last month.
“A total of 32 teams composed of 224 Army personnel from the brigade are currently deployed to assist in clearing, rehabilitation, and delivery and distribution of relief goods in Cebu City and nearby provinces, Bohol, Negros Occidental, Northern Samar, and Southern Leyte,” the PA said in a Facebook post on Thursday night.
In line with this, Army commander Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. hailed the efforts of 53EBde for their efforts in helping Filipino people and communities affected by “Odette”.
This, he said, exemplified best “Bayanihan” or the spirit of communal unity or helping without expecting something in return.
“The spirit of ‘Bayanihan’ remains very much alive. Rest assured that the Philippine Army, hand in hand with national government agencies, local government units, and private sector partners, will continue to help our typhoon-stricken countrymen get back on their feet,” he added.
Earlier, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said around 7,493 soldiers were deployed in Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Northern Mindanao and Caraga to help in relief efforts for “Odette”. Also deployed are 769 land transport which includes 6×6 trucks, 28 aircraft including C-130 and C-295 transport planes, helicopters, and 27 ships. (PNA)