QUEZON CITY, Philippines (Eagle News) — The country will soon have its first humanitarian ship and disaster response vessel.
The 195-foot military prototype vessel named M/V Susitna will be launched by the Philippine Red Cross on Monday.
President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to attend the launch, which coincides with the 70th anniversary of the organization.
According to the PRC, the vessel can hold up to 120 passengers, 20 vehicles, and has a 35-ton overall freight capacity.
The ship can also evacuate around a thousand people to safety during large-scale disasters and can house six-by-six trucks, ambulances, relief goods and people affected by disasters in one relief mission.
It can also land on beaches that are at least four-feet-deep.
According to the PRC, it plans to use the ship as a landing vessel for Red Cross’ emergency units.
“Aside from being used to respond to future disasters, the ship will also be used in our current operations in response to previous disasters that hit our country last year, such as typhoons Ferdie, Karen, Lawin, Nina, and most recently, the magnitude 6.7 earthquake in Surigao,” PRC Secretary General Palabyab said.
The vessel will also serve as a relief supply transport ship, a medical facility deployment ship, a mobile operations command post, among others.
“The ship is the realization of our vision to establish the Philippine Red Cross as the foremost humanitarian organization in the country, capable of delivering timely humanitarian services that save lives and restore the dignity of the most vulnerable,” PRC chair Richard Gordon said.