The military’s Visayas Command on Wednesday expressed elation at the recognition of its “valuable support” in disaster response given by the Office of the Vice President (OVP).

“We are very thankful to the Honorable Vice President Sara Duterte for recognizing our efforts and steadfast commitment to delivering swift and efficient disaster response to ensure the safety and well-being of our people in the Visayas region,” Lt. General Benedict Arevalo, Viscom commander, said in a statement on Wednesday.

Arevalo received the award from the vice president during the “Pasidungog 2023” event on Monday at the Sofitel Plaza Manila in Pasay City.

The award was in recognition of the significant contribution of the command to the OVP activities, especially in enabling relief operations for the communities locked by the effect of the typhoon and other calamities in the outskirts of the Visayas, according to Viscom spokesperson Lt. Col. Israel Galorio.

“In the aftermath of Super Typhoon Odette, Viscom and its subordinate units mobilized hundreds of humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) teams for the conduct of search and rescue operations, road clearing operations, and relief operations to the affected communities in the region,” Galorio told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

Viscom also facilitated the hauling and delivery of 1.5 million tons of assorted relief goods to the affected people.

During the passing of Super Typhoon Betty, Viscom placed 122 HADR teams and 201 mobility assets, including five patrol crafts of the Philippine Navy and 20 rescue boats on standby, Galorio said. (PNA)