By Xander Ledesma
A new PHP2.3 billion satellite radar station, set to be constructed by the Philippine Air Force (PAF) in Anini-y municipality, is expected to bolster national security and disaster response efforts in the region.
The proposed site, located on Mt. Liwliw, will undergo an ocular inspection later this month. Once operational, the radar station will significantly enhance the PAF’s surveillance capabilities, allowing for quicker response times during emergencies.
Board Member Pio Jessielito Sumande, Sr., chairperson of the Peace and Order and Public Security (POPS) Committee, emphasized the strategic importance of the project. “The radar station will not only improve security but also aid in disaster relief operations, especially in the event of natural calamities,” he stated.
The site was previously occupied by a U.S. military facility during the 1980s. A Japanese construction firm has been tapped to undertake the construction of the new radar station.
Local officials anticipate that the radar station will also have a positive impact on tourism. The scenic route to Mt. Liwliw, which offers panoramic views, is expected to attract visitors.
To facilitate access to the site, the provincial government has requested funding from the Cooperative-National Confederation of Cooperatives (Coop-NATCCO) party list for the concreting of the access road from Barangay Diclum to Mt. Liwliw. The project is slated to commence early next year.