Clark staging area for ShelterBox

CLARK FREEPORT — Clark Development Corporation (CDC) president Benigno Ricafort announced on Saturday that Clark Freeport was chosen by ShelterBox Philippines to house its stock of emergency shelter relief goods.

ShelterBox is a Rotary International initiative founded by former British navy diver and Rotarian Tom Henderson that aims to help victims of natural and man-made disasters in the country and all over the world.

Accredited as a non-stock, non-profit organization by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), ShelterBox Philippines is the 18th international affiliate of the ShelterBox International.

In a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed between ShelterBox Philippines led by Rotarian and its president Jess Nicdao, Ricafort, and Henderson, Clark was designated to warehouse, safe-keep, and process the shelter boxes consisting of a tent, blankets, tools, mosquito nets, and emergency stuff per box. An estimated container van of boxes is expected to arrive at Clark soon.

“I will circulate the details of the MOA as protocol calls for, because those [shelter boxes] will arrive in a container van. Details must be known to the [Bureau of] Customs and security. The idea is logistical support,” Ricafort told Sun.Star Pampanga.

He said that processing of the load would be easier and faster at Clark.

PAMPANGA. Clark Development Corporation president Benigno Ricafort gives ShelterBox founder Tom Henderson a jacket as souvenir and token of appreciation for choosing Clark Freeport as its staging area. (Jovi T. De Leon)

“Isang container van iyan, eh. Isipan mo kung sa Manila iki-clear iyan. Dito sa atin na isang economic zone, it comes in and we will be responsible for it. Kung saan may bakanteng building, doon naming ilalagay iyan,” he added.

According to Ricafort, the whole idea behind the undertaking is “being prepared”.

“We expect them to be here by March or April. Upon arrival, we will store them. Kami ang magbibigay ng permit to bring in, tapos iinspeksiyunin ng Customs. Ang lease ay malinis and then pag kailangan na, kami rin ang magbibigay ng permit to bring out. So ang response ay within 24 hours sa Luzon hanggang Manila. Logistical center kasi tayo,” he said.

He added that with CDC’s partnership with ShelterBox Philippines, Clark’s very own rescue and emergency disaster response teams, will involve training to assist in the missions. (Jovi T. De Leon)