AFP receives helicopter, buses, trucks from MVP Group

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has received a helicopter, rescue boats, and some trucks from the MVP Group, chief of staff General Gilbert Gapay has said.

"The donations signify our shared aspirations in giving our all-out support to our men and women in uniform as they fulfill their responsibilities to the nation, especially in times of disasters and calamities," Gapay said.

"The Armed Forces of the Philippines is truly grateful that we have institutions like the MVP Group of Companies who continuously help us achieve our endeavors,” he added.

The BO 105 helicopter donated through the Metro Pacific Investments Corporation Foundation was turned over to the Philippine Army’s Aviation “Hiraya” Regiment, which has been instrumental in the aerial reconnaissance and maritime patrols over Northern Luzon, Eastern Mindanao, and Western Mindanao Command.

On the other hand, the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force received two sets of brand new rescue boats equipped with paddles and life vests from the PLDT-Smart Foundation, Inc. while the AFP General Headquarters obtained three dry vans and a wing van from One Meralco Foundation, Inc. 

Businessman Manny V. Pangilinan said the MVP Group of Companies had always been supportive of the government's endeavors.

"The nationwide presence of our businesses enables us to mobilize resources throughout the country and provide us with the means to augment the Government’s facilities to respond effectively to disasters and calamities,” Pangilinan said.

Moreover, the AFP signed a memorandum of agreement with the Makati Medical Center Foundation (MMCF), which is also chaired by Pangilinan.

The agreement is a renewal of the public-private partnership for the organizational strengthening of AFP Military Treatment Facilities (MTF) nationwide.

Through the pact, technical and medical experts from MMCF will continue to impart valuable knowledge to AFP medical personnel for the improvement of services through various means without the additional financial burden.

“The knowledge and expertise you shared over the years, through this agreement, were invaluable in keeping our troops healthy," Gapay said.

"I am truly grateful for its renewal as we, in the AFP, begin to take major steps toward the accomplishment of one of our major advocacies in promoting our troops’ mental health, which was regrettably neglected in the past years,” he added.

Gapay said the deal was another huge step that will ensure soldiers’ full access to quality health services and resources. He added that this is in line with keeping the members of the AFP in top condition as they fulfill their duties to protect the state.

Aside from Gapay and Pangilinan, the ceremonial turnover of the donations were attended by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Army chief
Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana, Navy chief Vice Admiral Giovanni Bacordo, and Philippine Air Force commander Lieutenant General Allen Paredes. -NB, GMA News