The BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS17), one of the Philippine Navy’s capital ships under the Operational Control (OPCON) of Naval Forces Southern Luzon, is now at Albay to supply the fresh water needs of evacuees affected by Mt. Mayon’s eruption using an onboard Reverse Osmosis Desalination System.
Said deployment is being realized as committed by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s visit to Albay last 14-June-2023, that the Philippine Navy will deploy its ships that are capable of converting saltwater to fresh water, which are essential in various evacuation centers in Albay. The said system can produce large amounts of fresh water up to 32,000 liters per day which can benefit at least 1,000 affected families.
Along with Commander Task Force SAGIP, BGEN JAIME ABAWAG JR PA, and Commander Naval Forces Southern Luzon, COMMO JOE ANTHONY C ORBE PN, the Honorable EDCEL GRECO LAGMAN JR., Governor of Albay, was invited to witness the said capability. A ceremonial drinking of water produced by onboard Desalination System was also demonstrated to assure the Albayanos of its safety.
Furthermore, in the event of a disaster on land and if the alert level is raised, PS17 can serve as a mobile Command and Control for the local government of Albay.
NAVFORSOL’s disaster response efforts during volcanic eruptions exhibit the Philippine Navy’s dedication to serving the Filipino people, and in this case, the Bicolanos.
