A US-led multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) exercise is set to start in San Fernando City, La Union today.
Several programs and projects are lined up under the exercise, dubbed the Pacific Partnership 2023 (PP23), according to Armed Forces public affairs chief Lt. Col. Enrico Gil Ileto.
“Now on its 18th iteration, Pacific Partnership 2023 is the US’ largest annual multinational HADR exercise aimed at enhancing preparedness and interoperability with seven host partner nations in the Indo-Pacific,” said Ileto.
The seven host partner nations of the US in the exercise are Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
The US and its host partner nations are conducting missions throughout Southeast Asia and South Pacific Islands. About 1,500 personnel from these countries are involved in the exercise.
This year’s mission will last until November. Their first mission was in Vietnam, from August 9 to 18. The Philippines is their second stop.
Ileto said medical, dental and veterinary missions and engineering activities will be pursued by the PP23 participants along with Filipino troops.
“The HADR facet will focus on three primary trainings, namely, Mountain Search and Rescue, Urban Search and Rescue, and Water Search and Rescue. Refreshers on Basic Life Support, Incident Command System, and Operations Center Management will also be conducted,” said Ileto.
“A culminating training on an earthquake-tsunami response scenario will also be conducted to round up the HADR exercises,” added Ileto.
He said there will also be community education under PP23, focusing on public health, infectious diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, forensic dentistry, oral surgery, and diet and nutrition.
“Engineering projects are also lined up and will be performed by the American, Korean, and Filipino military engineers to address critical infrastructure concerns,” said Ileto.
Ileto welcomed the conduct of PP23 in the Philippines, saying it’s an “opportunity to build strong, stable, and resilient communities.”
