Teodoro bares plans for Balabac, Palawan air and naval base
An airbase and naval station are being eyed to be built in Balabac, Palawan, Defense Secretary Gilbert "Gibo" Teodoro said Saturday.
In an interview with the media, Teodoro said the construction includes a joint-use runway for the use of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).
"Mag-iinspeksiyon tayo, dahil ang runway ay ang CAAP. Titingin tayo ng lugar kung saan talaga puwede na maglagay ng airbase at ng naval base," Teodoro said.
(We will conduct an inspection, the runway will be for CAAP. We will look for an area where we can actually put an airbase and a naval base.)
"Ang report sa akin ay 'yung Air Force side at 'yung naval side ay magkatabi. 'Yun nga lang, may lupain na kailangan kunin para buo 'yung lugar, isahan na lang," he added.
(The report I received is that the Air Force side and the naval side will be next to each other. However, there is a piece of land that needs to be acquired first to construct an all-in-one area.)
Strategic location
According to Teodoro, Balabac serves as a strategic location for the country in an area where foreign vessels, including those of China, often take their route.
It is one of the largest islands in the southwest Philippines, where the South China Sea and Sulu Sea merge.
"Minsan dumadaan talaga rito ang Chinese vessels. At ito kapag hindi nadama or hindi nagkaroon ng presence, napakadali na abusuhin ng foreign influence and other inappropriate and illegal activities," said Teodoro.
(Chinese vessels actually pass through here. When it is not felt or there is no presence, the place is very easy to be abused by foreign influence and other inappropriate and illegal activities.)
He said the construction of the naval station is eyed "as soon as possible, depending on the funding."
Further, the Western Command (WESCOM) and PAF are also eyeing the construction of a health center in the municipality to address the medical needs of its residents.
'All-in-One Bayanihan'
Teodoro also led the 'All-in-One Bayanihan' community outreach activity held in Balabac on Friday.
Combined forces of Go Share Philippines, the Balabac local government unit, Balabac District Hospital, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) sought to deliver free services and aid to communities in need in the municipality.
Donations were turned over, including school supplies, food packs, water filters, and wheelchairs. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
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