DAVAO CITY, Philippines — The Philippine Army’s 11th Regional Community Defense Group received humanitarian assistance and disaster response equipment from Latter-day Saints Charities Southeast Asia Inc. to strengthen its capacity to assist communities affected by natural disasters.
Maj. Gen. Alvin Luzon, commander of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division, led the ceremonial handover as guest of honor and speaker on Oct. 21 at Camp San Gabriel in Mintal, Davao City.
The donation was facilitated through the efforts of the 11th Regional Community Defense Group, or 11RCDG, led by Col. Calixto Cadano Jr. Anthony John Palleos represented the charity during the ceremony.
The equipment is expected to improve the unit’s ability to provide emergency assistance and support disaster response operations in communities affected by earthquakes, floods, landslides and other calamities. Kevlar bullet-proof helmets were among the donated items.
“When we unite our resources, expertise, and commitment to service, we strengthen our collective ability to protect lives, assist affected communities, and build resilience in times of crisis,” Luzon said.
The ceremony also included the signing of a deed of donation formalizing the partnership between the 11RCDG and Latter-day Saints Charities Southeast Asia Inc.
Luzon stressed the importance of accountability, proper maintenance and responsible use of the donated equipment to ensure it remains operational and ready for future emergencies.
The donation comes as the 10th Infantry Division continues to support disaster response and rehabilitation efforts in parts of Southern Mindanao.
The division has been assisting communities affected by a magnitude 7.8 earthquake, as well as flash floods and landslides. It is also supporting rehabilitation efforts in Glan and Malapatan in Sarangani province through the construction of temporary shelters under the provincial government’s “Bangon Glan” program.
The Army said maintaining disaster response readiness allows its units to assist affected communities while carrying out their broader security responsibilities.
The 10th Infantry Division continues to sustain gains in internal security operations while undertaking external security operations under the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Operations framework.
The military-charity partnership underscores the role of cooperation between government forces and humanitarian organizations in improving disaster preparedness, protecting lives and strengthening community resilience.
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