A team from the Naval Reserve Command and other Manila-based stakeholders recently organized a humanitarian mission to Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea to provide support to the local community.
NAVRESCOM chief Major General Joseph Ferrous Cuison, designated Captain Norman Biola, the commander of Naval Reserve Command (NRC) in the National Capital Region (NCR), as the overall head of the mission.
The team also included the Junior Chamber International (JCI)-Manila, Cebuana Lhuillier, and the 1st AFP Affiliated Medical Reserve Center.
The team donated generators, laptops, water filtration systems, office and school supplies, medicines, and food items to address the immediate needs of the soldiers and residents in the island’s Kalayaan Municipality.
Among the recipients were the Health Center Municipality of Kalayaan, Pag-asa Elementary School, troops of Naval Station Emilio Liwanag, and Joint Task Unit Pag-asa.
Aside from Pag-asa Island, the team also donated generators to two of the Philippine-held features in the WPS namely Panata and Patag Stations.
The AFP Western Command also took part in the activity ensuring the availability of air transportation and the security for the whole contingent.
WESCOM chief Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos also joined the group. “It is truly encouraging to see more and more of our countrymen standing in solidarity with our efforts to safeguard our territory and uphold our sovereignty and sovereign rights in the WPS,” Carlos said, thanking the whole contingent for their generous contribution.
WESCOM has witnessed “an inspiring surge” in support from fellow Filipinos for the WPS. The activity also sought to explore future development opportunities for the Municipality of Kalayaan, demonstrating a commitment to the well-being and sustainable development of Pag-asa Island and the rest of the Philippine-held areas in the WPS.