Disaster group donates 110 emergency tents

By Ana-liza Macatangay

The Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Preparedness (A-PAD) Philippines turned over recently 100 units of collapsible modular shelter tents and 10 units of emergency medical tents to the Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI) Inc.

The MNCCI, represented by its president Randy Aman, also signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with A-PAD Philippines to further intensify the coronavirus pandemic response through the Covid-19 Risk Reduction Project. This project is supported by the Japanese government.

The project aims to strengthen evacuation center management in response to the pandemic and reduce the risk of Covid-19 spread or other infectious disease in the evacuation centers.

The medical tents, which would serve as isolation or triage area, are expected to serve 10 evacuation centers in Bicol. On the other hand, the modular tents would serve as “extension rooms” for evacuees who are often cramped into a classroom or into a single facility. A modular tent is ideal for a family with at least six members.

TENT One of the collapsible modular shelter tents donated by A-PAD Philippines to MNCCI at the PSO Hall, City Hall Compound, Naga City on Dec.4, 2021 (Photo credits A-PAD Phils)

“An overcrowded evacuation center will increase the risk of spread of COVID 19," A-PAD Philippines program officer in charge Athea Peñaloza said during the turnover ceremonies of the tents on Dec. 4.

“The modular tents will ensure that each family has privacy even during unfortunate situations. It will promote physical distancing, thereby limiting the chances of getting the virus, especially in this time of pandemic,” she added.

A-PAD Philippines president Gilbert Albero said the alliance has been closely working with local chambers of commerce for the warehousing, safekeeping and identification of areas heavily affected by the pandemic or any calamity.

Albero, a former MNCCI president, expressed optimism that the local chambers could help mobilize and generate local resources in providing immediate response during emergencies.

“It was during my time as president of MNCCI when the chamber and A-PAD fortunately had the chance to work together,” Albero said.

He added that the tremendous task of providing for the needy and the urgency to alleviate their condition was a challenge for the business sector as well as we also suffered a setback due to the numerous typhoons.

“But with the combined efforts of all our partners, the gargantuan task became less heavy and we delivered what we had to do,” Albero said. (PIA5/Camarines Sur)