The 2nd Air Force Wing Reserve (2nd AFWR) on Thursday, July 24, launched a humanitarian relief mission in Bulacan to assist thousands of displaced families due to massive flooding that inundated parts of the province.
Led by Lt. Col. Mikee Romero, the group helped evacuate over 7,500 individuals — including approximately 1,500 families from Calumpit and 300 families from Hagonoy to Calumpit National High School and other designated evacuation centers.
Heavily affected by the southwest monsoon and Tropical Storm Crising were Barangays San Juan and San Isidro, thus prompting full-scale rescue and relocation efforts with the use of two Air Force 6×6 trucks.
Romero, chairman of the Association of Reservists and Reservist Administrators of the Philippines Inc. (ARRAPI) and a former congressman, said the mission is ongoing and vowed to continue monitoring the critical areas.
“Laban lang hanggang matapos ang mission,” said Romero as he lauded the bravery and dedication of the reservists and volunteers who responded swiftly and selflessly to provide help to thousands of displaced families.
Food and basic necessities – 3 kilos of rice, canned sardines, instant noodles, and coffee – were distributed to all evacuees.
Romero, however, emphasized that medicines and medical supplies are still urgently needed, and efforts are now underway to source and distribute them to evacuation centers.
Their operations were coordinated and supervised by the 2nd Air Force Reserve Center (ARCEN) based in Clark Airbase, under the command of Col. Mark Yambing.
The on-the-ground efforts in Calumpit and Hagonoy were carried out by the 2nd AFWR in partnership with its Bulacan Air Force Command Post (ACP), headed by Reservist Major Rolando Rodolfo.
Officials of Calumpit, led by Mayor Glorime “Lyn” Faustino, and Hagonoy expressed their gratitude to 2nd AFWR, ARCEN, ARRAPI and other government agencies, for providing logistical support, shelter assistance, and welfare services.
