The pandemic continues to profoundly affect the country as the surge in cases, driven by the Omicron variant, causes bed capacities in hospitals to be fully occupied. In a swift response to help curb the contagion and mitigate the effects of COVID-19, the Delbros Group, a pioneer in the logistics industry, donated three brand new mobile facilities to the Philippine Air Force (PAF) in a recent turnover ceremony in Clark, Pampanga.
Two of the mobile facilities are repurposed into hospital offices and are under the care and maintenance of the Air Force City Hospital (AFCH) allowing the staff to attend to the medical needs of both the military personnel and their dependents who are in need of medical services. The other mobile facility, on the other hand, is given to the Philippine Air Force Reserve Command which is repurposed into a quarantine facility where female officers of PAF can receive proper and comfortable care.
The turnover and blessing ceremony were led by Jose Eduardo Delgado, Chairman of Delbros Group, Jose Paolo Delgado, President and CEO of Delbros Group, Major General Florante M Amano, Philippine Air Force Commander – Air Logistics Command, and Major General Edward L Libago Philippine Air Force Commander – Air Force Reserve Command.
Also in attendance were the members of the Air Force City Council of Commanders and other officers from different units of the PAF.
Jose Eduardo Delgado, Chairman of the Delbros Group highlighted the relevance of the donation in strengthening PAF’s response against COVID-19, “The Delbros Group has served as an ally and supporter of government initiatives throughout our 76 years of operations and we want to continue this cause by supporting the PAF Clark Air Base hospital. Providing the Philippine Air Force with these mobile facilities will greatly help them reinforce their capability to extend humanitarian assistance and disaster response to the public.”
Meanwhile, President, and CEO of the Delbros Group, Jose Paolo Delgado, who is also conferred as Lieutenant Colonel in the PAF, commended the military branch for implementing a gender-sensitive COVID-19 response, highlighting the significance of addressing women-specific needs and how it aligns with Delbros’ own initiatives aimed at advancing gender equality in society, “We laud the Philippine Air Force for recognizing the participation, contribution, and needs of women, and we at Delbros are proud to share the same advocacies in fostering a professional environment where female employees are comfortable and empowered to speak up, contribute, and have equal opportunities to lead and advance within the organization.”
The acquisition of the new mobile COVID-19 offices is a welcome addition to the Philippine Air Force. These facilities will replace the current makeshift open tents of the Air Force which are prone to hazards and damages brought about by environmental and weather conditions. With these facilities, not only will they improve the safety and security of the hospital’s supplies and equipment but it will also bring a new and professional look to the Air Force Covid response and uplift the morale of the personnel performing their duties.
“This is indeed a blessing and a welcome sight amid the distressing news and events currently plaguing our nation,” said Air Force Chief, Lieutenant General Connor Anthony Canlas Sr. who was also present during the ceremony, “It is good to know that we are not alone in this fight. Our collective effort will pave the way towards our recovery from this pandemic, and no single entity can see this through without the help of one another.”
