Philippine Navy, LDS Charities Sign MOA for Multi-Purpose Buildings in Mindanao
Manila — Vice
Admiral Luis M. Alano, Flag Officer-in-Command of the Philippine Navy
and Benson Misalucha, Area Welfare Manager for The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on
April 2 for the construction of three multi-purpose buildings in Cateel,
Boston and Bagangga, all in Davao Oriental, that were destroyed by
Tyhoon Pablo in 2012.
According to Alano, the construction of
these barangay multipurpose centers would help restore hope to people.
Seeing a visible structure where local government could conduct routine
transactions would give survivors the assurance that everything would
soon be alright. The multi-purpose building would
also serve as a temporary shelter while permanent housing is being
constructed. As soon as people
would be properly settled into their new homes, the building would then
be converted into a transportation hub which is also a present need in
these communities.
The survivors are participating in the
construction process as they begin to reconstruct their lives. The
Church is contributing construction materials and supplies as well as
providing
Mormon
Helping Hands volunteers from outlying communities to help on
Saturdays. The Marines and Sailors from the 7th Battalion Naval
Construction Brigade (SEABEES) prepared the plans and design, and are
tasked to provide transportation and security of materials to the sites,
as well as supervision and manpower for the construction of these
community shelters.
During the welcoming program, Benson Misalucha gave a power point presentation on the
LDS Charities humanitarian projects in the Philippines for 2012 and the beginning of 2013 (
Link to Humanitarian Summary 2012 in Newsroom).
(
This summary is the article that we wrote!) He also acknowledged the close relationship the Church has had with
the Navy, especially the 7th Marine Brigade and Col Rodylyn T Manzano
PN(M)(MNSA)(RES), Deputy Commander, 7th MBde.
“We look forward
to continuing the relationship that began years ago as we work to bring
relief following the natural and man-made disasters that regularly
affect the Philippines,” Benson stated. “We are followers of Christ,
taught to seek out those in need, and we are grateful to have friends
like you. These shelters will be symbols of hope for the survivors of
Pablo. And we salute these Marines who are willing to give their lives
to protect or rescue our Filipino brothers. We appreciate your help with
our disaster relief efforts as well as with the other projects where we
partner with you to help those in need in this country. We look forward
to many more years of working together.”
Haidi and I are excited to help host the Philippine Navy!
The
Navy’s four R’s are: Rescue, Relief, Recovery and Reconstruction. As
first responders, they provide security and assessment of capabilities.
They saw the presentations of destruction following Pablo. “Typhoons
usually don’t pass over Mindanao but go north. Here towns were isolated,
roads cut off so relief could only be brought through the coastal
towns. Our Sailors and Marines were the only ones who could reach them
with tents and temporary shelter,” VADM Alano continued. “People were
leaving their towns but we needed them to remain and rebuild. Local
government leaders assured the Navy that people in their communities
would help them. Engineers were called on to design structures that
would survive future storms.” With the help of LDS Charities, the plan
became a reality instead of a concept. “You are really Saints,” he
emphasized.
Following the signing, media who covered the event
which included TV5 News, Solar News and PTV4 asked questions relating to
the project. They inquired about the nature of the multi-purpose
buildings and their cost. The Church will provide the materials and
supplies at a cost of Php 2 million each. Misalucha also informed media
that the contributed money comes from donations of average members of
the Church who give up two meals a month to donate that cost to the
Church for humanitarian efforts. In addition, Mormon Helping Hands
volunteers will work with the communities on Saturdays during
construction. The Philippine Navy is furnishing the plans and
supervision and assisting in construction. These multi-purpose buildings
are more sturdy and long lasting. They look like a covered court with
restroom facilities for men and women. The target date for finishing the
Cateel structure is the end of April; each shelter takes about two
months to construct. They can hold up to 60 families each.
The MOA
signing was followed with a tour of Church facilities. Guests were able
to visit the Missionary Training Center for the 21 missions, the Area
Administrative office, the Family History Center, and the Manila
Philippines
Temple.
In
the Missionary Training Center (MTC), the group was greeted by
President and Sister Beck. Beck, a retired Captain in the US Coast Guard
prior to his call as an MTC President, greeted the Navy officers
warmly. Many of the group commented on the beautiful spirit they felt
as they toured the areas where the young missionaries were preparing for
their service.
This is a picture of Elder Misalucha, Pres. Beck of the MTC, and Vice Admiral Alano.
The comment, “What a beautiful place to attend
church on Sunday,” brought further explanation as to the sacredness of
the Manila Temple and that it is open the whole week except for Sundays.
Sunday worship is done in the 888 chapels or meetinghouses all over
the country. The temple as a house of learning is where special
ordinances are performed therein, including that of marriages where
couples are married for eternity and that families can be sealed
together and live forever after this life.
This strong partnership
between the Philippine Navy and LDS Charities will be of benefit to
those in need in the Philippines for years to come. VADM Alano’s final
comment was very appropriate, “By nature we are kindhearted.”
After the tour we came back to the PAO for a
lovely luncheon. The Navy and LDS Charities
exchange gifts and we each received a nice
token from the Navy.
After those of the Navy had gone,
we were able to take members of
the media on a tour
of the Church facility.
Elder and Sis. DuPaix, Media,
Elder and Sis. Bailey
Sis. DuPaix, May, and Sis. Bailey. We are standing in front of the MTC.
The PAO and Temple are in the background. This media group did a live TV
interview with Elder Misalucha the very next week! It was wonderful!
