THE Armed Forces recently received P12 million worth of medical equipment donated by the Sydney Shrine Club (SSC), boosting the military’s capability in attending to the medical needs of soldiers.
AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. received the donation from SSC President Lt. Col. Raul Amor last week during rites at the AFP general headquarters at Camp Aguinaldo.
Amor was accompanied by Assistant AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Reserve Force Development (J9) Brig. Gen. Danilo Dupiag, and Lt. Col. Michael Odylon (Mikee) Romero, an Air Force reserve officer who chairs the Association of Reservists and Reservists Administrators of the Philippines Incorporated (ARRAPI).
ARRAPI, in close coordination with the Office of the J9, facilitated the donation of the medical equipment from the SSC, which is based in New South Wales, Australia.
The donation, consisting of slightly used medical equipment, life-saving devices and essential items, was due to be distributed to different AFP hospitals and units to bolster their capability in responding to the medical needs of military personnel and their dependents.
“This collaboration with our Australian partners – Sydney Shrine Club – highlights the crucial role of the global community in supporting the health and morale of our uniformed personnel,” said Romero.
“ARRAPI will now be a bridge to civilian and military efforts to uplift the lives of our soldiers,” added Romero.
Also present during the ceremony were ARRAPI officials and reservist officers Lt. Col. Vladimir Mata, Brig. Gen. Charito Plaza, Commander Peter Negrido, Lt. Col. Joy Torres, Col. Yay Lacson-Hizon and Lt. Col. Floreto Solano.
Brawner commended the spirit of “bayanihan” and international solidarity that made the donation possible.
Brawner also emphasized the importance of collaboration among the AFP, ARRAPI, non-government organizations and international partners in enhancing the welfare of soldiers and their families.
“We also mark a meaningful act of support today through the turnover of vital medical equipment,” said Brawner, referring to the SSC’s donation of the medical equipment.
“This strengthens our capacity to care for our personnel and to extend help to those in need during emergencies,” added Brawner.
