US Navy builds disaster relief shelter in Palawan

MANILA, Philippines — US Navy engineers, also known as Seabees, have completed the construction of a P17-million multipurpose hall that will serve as a disaster relief shelter for residents of Barangay Luzviminda in Puerto Princesa City in Palawan.

The US embassy said the facility, which will also be used as a community center for elderly residents and persons with disabilities, was turned over to the barangay through Mayor Lucilo Bayron and village chief Laddy Gemang last month.

The facility is the first disaster relief shelter in the barangay.

“This is a significant milestone in our organization’s commitment to provide immediate and effective assistance to those affected by natural calamities and disasters,” Philippine Navy Western Command chief Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos said in his message during the turnover ceremony.

US Navy detachment Philippines officer-in-charge Huy Duong, for his part, said the collaborative effort with the Armed Forces of the Philippines in constructing the disaster relief shelter has yielded “substantial results.”

“It has bolstered engineering capabilities, enhanced interoperability and played a pivotal role in providing essential support during natural disasters,” he said.