SUMMARY
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MANILA, Philippines – They would have been useful to government’s response to the devastation caused by Super Typhoon Yolanda (international codename: Haiyan), but these seaplanes, in the most optimistic timeline, will be delivered only next year.
The Department of National Defense (DND) has allocated P2.67 billion to acquire 3 brand new Light Lift Fixed Wing Aircraft, crucial assets that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) lack.
These seaplanes – aircraft that can land on and take off the sea – are critical in humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and maritime search and rescue operations.
“At least, it can land close to the shoreline. You don’t need an aiport,” National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) executive director Eduardo del Rosario told Rappler.
Seaplanes are useful in situations where roads and airports are unusuable and if there are no airports at all. (READ: Seaplanes as disaster response tool? Absolutely!)
If the water is calm, Del Rosario said, these seaplanes can facilitate the delivery of relief goods and transport of personnel. From where it lands, goods could be transferred to smaller boats for distribution.
The bidding for the seaplanes will be conducted through an open competitive bidding. A pre-bid conference will be held on Friday, November 15. The bid will open on November 29. – Carmela Fonbuena/Rappler.com
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