Marcos: EDCA sites helped in disaster response in recent typhoons

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday highlighted how the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites in the country helped in the government’s disaster response after the country was battered by six straight storms.

The Philippine leader made the statement during the courtesy visit of United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III at Malacañang Palace.

“I would like to point out and remind everyone how important the EDCA sites have become in all our HADR attempts in  this last few… We have been hit with – we now refer to it as the K-L-M-N-O-P series of typhoons. Six typhoons in about less than four weeks,” said Marcos. 

“They served as staging areas, actually for [...] And the EDCA sites have become the staging area because right after the storm, many areas can only be reached by helicopter. And many roads closed because of landslides,” he added. 

“So, we have used to a great extent the EDCA sites. I just like to remind everyone on the wisdom behind that and how it has become so extremely useful in the face of these effects of climate change.” 

Marcos first noted in October that EDCA sites should be maximized in the government's disaster response and relief efforts after a super typhoon struck the country.

Signed in 2014, EDCA grants US troops access to designated Philippine military facilities, the right to construct facilities, and pre-position equipment, aircraft and vessels, but rules out permanent basing.

There are currently nine EDCA sites: Antonio Bautista Air Base (Palawan), Basa Air Base (Pampanga), Fort Magsaysay (Nueva Ecija), Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base (Cebu), Lumbia Air Base (Cagayan de Oro City), Naval Base Camilo Osias (Sta Ana, Cagayan),  Lal-lo Airport (Lal-lo, Cagayan), Camp Melchor Dela Cruz (Gamu, Isabela), and in Balabac Island (Palawan).

Meanwhile, the US vowed to grant another $1 million humanitarian aid to help the Philippines in its relief efforts following the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Pepito.

“Mr. President, I have authorized US troops to help Philippine forces provide lifesaving aid to the Filipino people. And the US has also secured another million dollars in urgent humanitarian aid, and that will enhance the work of USAID and the World Food Programme,” said Austin during his meeting with Marcos. 

“And that’s in addition to the nearly 100,000 pounds of supplies that we delivered after Typhoon Julian.” 

Further, the US Defense chief said Washington D.C. is glad to be able to serve the Filipino people through the EDCA sites. 

“And you mentioned the EDCA sites, it was your vision a while back that these sites could be used to do exactly what you have described: prepositioning supplies and food and other critical elements in times of urgent need, and it would enable us to serve the Filipino people much faster and much more efficiently,” said Austin. “And that your vision has come true. And so, we’re glad we’ve played a part in that.” —RF, GMA Integrated News