MANILA, Philippines — A Cagayan town, which has served as a venue for the annual war games between the Philippines and the United States, donated 25 hectares of land to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
In a deed of donation signing ceremony held on Wednesday, June 7, Calayan Mayor Joseph Llopis turned over the parcel of land in Barangay Dilam to North Luzon Command head Lieutenant General Fernyl Buca.
“Calayan, as a strategic location, will help the AFP and the Philippine Marine Corps fulfill our mandate of protecting the people and securing the state,” Centino said in a speech read by Buca, on behalf of AFP Chief of Staff Andres Centino.
“As we perform our duty, it is awe-inspiring to have partners who share the same aspirations and offer simple gestures of generosity for the welfare of our people,” he added.
It can be recalled that earlier this year, Philippine Navy also received a donation of five hectares of land in the island.
Calayan Island is renowned for its strategic location, making it a preferred venue for military exercises like the Balikatan and Kamandag.
These activities involve amphibious expeditionary operations.
Troops from the Philippine Marine Corps-Battalion Landing Team-10 are currently stationed on the island.
RELATED STORY:
DND chief says 21 of 29 mayors in Cagayan back Edca