Cagayan de Oro, Lumbia Air Base – Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. has urged local officials and Congress to allocate the necessary funds for the completion and maintenance of the approved Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) warehouse at Lumbia Air Base.
This facility, once operational, will play a vital role in ensuring the rapid deployment of essential supplies during field missions and disaster relief operations.
“May mga local items na pinakiusap natin kay Congressman Lordan Suan na siguraduhin na ma-insert sa budget, for example, the completion of the OCD facility. Kailangan ng amount ‘yan. Pero ito ay magiging synergistic sa community in the sense na high security ito,” said Teodoro, emphasizing the warehouse’s importance.
He also highlighted the need for sustained funding beyond construction: “Kailangan ng suporta ng local government at ng kongreso kasi pagka nagawa na ito, kailangan namin ng budget para patakbuhin ito, hindi lang yung gastos sa pagtayo. Kailangan ng gastos para imaintain at gamitin nang tama kasi sayang ang magandang facility kung hindi gagastusan ang maintenance.”
The Secretary further underlined the strategic role of the HADR warehouse within the framework of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). “Sa kabilang side naman may EDCA site for warehouse Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) pati rampa para sa ganon maka-preposition ang US ng mga kagamitan para sa disaster response at madali na lang ang pagkuha ng goods pag kailangan,” he said.
On Saturday, Secretary Teodoro visited Lumbia Air Base, one of nine agreed locations under EDCA with the United States. Accompanied by Defense Undersecretary for Acquisition and Resource Management Salvador Melchor B. Mison, Jr., and key Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) officials led by Chief of Staff General Romeo S. Brawner Jr., Teodoro inspected the site of the HADR warehouse. Once completed, the facility will enhance the Philippines’ disaster response capabilities and strengthen logistical support for field missions.
In addition, Teodoro reviewed two other EDCA-approved projects at Lumbia: the construction of an Air Traffic Control Tower and improvements to the airfield’s runway. He reiterated the strategic importance of Lumbia Air Base as a critical hub for AFP operations in Mindanao, particularly in responding to emergencies and supporting regional missions.
“The strategic importance of Lumbia as a major operating base cannot be overstated. Continued development will enhance the operational effectiveness of the Air Base, enabling it to better support AFP missions in Mindanao, especially during emergencies,” Teodoro stressed.
Under EDCA, the joint utilization of AFP and US forces ensures readiness and collaboration, bolstering the Mutual Defense Treaty and Visiting Forces Agreement. The development of facilities such as the HADR warehouse underscores the shared commitment to disaster preparedness and regional security.