Fuel storage facility set up in Air Force base

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A FUEL storage facility has been put up inside a Philippine Air Force base in Cebu under the Enhance Defense Cooperation Agreement between the Philippines and United States.

Visiting US Pacific Air Forces chief Gen. Kevin Schneider graced yesterday the inauguration of the US-funded facility at the Benito Ebuen Air in Lapu-Lapu City, one of the nine EDCA sites in

Philippine Air Force spokesperson Col. Maria Consuelo Castillo said the facility, costing $2.7 million, was built by the Himalayan Builders and Engineers Pvt. Ltd. and ACE Builders.

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Castillo said the construction of the facility began on June 22, 2022 and was completed on Sept. 6, 2024.

Castillo said the facility features two above-ground storage tanks, each capable of storing 75,708 liters of fuel.

“It also features a modern fuel handling system, a covered parking area for refueling trucks, and a secured perimeter, designed and constructed compliant to security and safety standards,” she said.

Castillo said the facility will “significantly improve the PAF’s fuel storage and distribution capabilities, enhancing operational readiness and logistical efficiency.”

“It will support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, strengthen national defense capabilities, and sustain a wide range of PAF flying missions, including airlift, internal security, and territorial defense operations, thereby reinforcing the Air Force’s ability to respond to various operational demands,” said Castillo.

During the ceremony, Maj. Gen. Ramil Oloroso, commander of the PAF Air Mobility Command, emphasized the importance of the facility in “bolstering the PAF’s ability to effectively carry out its missions,” Castillo said.

“He (Oloroso) expressed his gratitude for the continued support and partnership with PACAF and for the completion of the EDCA project, which remains instrumental in facilitating cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, strengthening the country’s defense capabilities, and promoting regional security,” said Castillo.

There are nine EDCA sites in the country, including the Benito Ebuen Air Base.

The eight others are Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan, Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Lumbia Air Base in Cagayan de Oro City, Lal-lo airport in Cagayan, Naval Base Camilo Osias in Cagayan, Camp Melchor dela Cruz in Isabela, and Balabac Island in Palawan.

Signed in 2014, EDCA allows the Americans to put up facilities at EDCA sites for the prepositioning of assets for territorial defense and disaster response operations.

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