Naval base to rise in Batanes

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of National Defense (DND) announced yesterday that a naval base is being built in Batanes.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Batanes Rep. Henedina Abad led the groundbreaking ceremony for the P166.5-million project last Thursday.

“We envision a naval base that shall have accessible naval installations which could provide logistics, training and other support services in the conduct of prompt and sustained fleet and marine operation,” Gazmin said in his speech.

When completed, the naval base will include a logistics facility, wharf and beaching areas, small craft facility and communication and electronics facilities.

Aside from the Navy, the facility will also be used by the Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

With the base, the Navy aims to improve the existing capability and infrastructure of the current Mahatao boat shelter to be utilized for training exercises, combat and humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations.

“The place is chosen as the most strategic area based on historical facts during World War II. Its harbor spaces provide natural protection to our naval vessels, considering that the province of Batanes has been the frequent route of storms and typhoons, especially during rainy season,” Gazmin said.