ACDI Multi-Purpose Cooperative chairman, retired major general Gilbert Llanto and Save Zone representative Park Gi Yong sign an agreement that will pave the way to the construction of first-ever disaster survival school in the Philippines.
The first-ever disaster survival school will soon be built in the country following the signing of an agreement between a Korean company and a Philippine cooperative on Thursday, Nov. 21.
Retired general Gilbert Llanto, chairman of ACDI Multi-Purpose Cooperative, said the Memorandum of Agreement he signed with Save Zone representative Park Gi Yong will strengthen the Philippines' disaster response capabilities amid the successive weather disturbances that hit the country since late last month.
Llanto, however, said that the agreement will also pave the way to boosting tourism in the country.
Under the agreement, ACDI MPC will allocate a portion of its properties in the Calabarzon (Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Rizal, Quezon) for the school's construction, while Save Zone will bring in investors to fund the school and complementary facilities, including hotels, restaurants, hospitals, and other ventures.
Llanto said that the survival school will cater to both Filipino and international students and will focus on training responders to manage disasters and emergencies effectively.
“This initiative will strengthen the Philippines' disaster response capabilities while bolstering tourism. It will address the growing complexity of disasters exacerbated by climate change,” said LLanto.
The survival school will feature modern training programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and expert personnel to meet these challenges. The development is envisioned as a mixed-use project, integrating disaster preparedness with commercial opportunities.
Discussions with local government units and relevant agencies will follow the MOU signing to secure necessary permits and operationalize the project.
The facilities will also be made available to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), local governments, ROTC cadets, and other organizations involved in disaster and emergency response, particularly in light of the potential for significant natural disasters, such as a Magnitude 8 earthquake.
“This groundbreaking project provides a unique opportunity for the government to enhance disaster preparedness without allocating funds for construction, equipment, or training, as private investors will fully fund the initiative,” said Llanto.
Additionally, the survival school is anticipated to attract local and international tourists, contributing further to the country's economic growth,” he added.