Gov. Neil Abercrombie and State Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Darryll Wong today announced plans for the Hawaii National Guard to help rebuild a school in the Philippines damaged by Typhoon Haiyan.

“The people of Hawaii stand with our Filipino brothers and sisters who are still suffering from the after-effects of one of the worst tropical cyclones ever recorded,” Abercrombie said in a press release.  “We’re very grateful to our Guardsmen and women who will be sharing our aloha and kokua with the people of the Philippines.”

By the end of June, soldiers from Guard and soldiers and airmen from the Guam National Guard will begin deploying to Tacloban City to rebuild the Marasbaras National High School.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie speaking at the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu, June 11.

Abercrombie Administration

“Shortly after Typhoon Haiyan, Gov. Abercrombie directed the Hawaii National Guard to develop a recovery mission in the Philippines to help those who had been impacted by the storm,” Wong said in a press release.

Wong continued: “The Governor’s concern was that often recovery efforts lose momentum once activities no longer make the headline news. Based on that guidance, we sought out an engineering project that would help with the long-term recovery, while providing realistic training for our personnel as well as the armed forces of the Philippines.”

The  work includes demolishing and replacing roofing panels and damaged structures, “constructing new roofs, upgrading the electrical system, installing light fixtures and ceiling fans to all three classrooms, and replacing classroom windows and doors.”

The project is expected to be completed in September.

Acting Consul General Roberto Bernardo said in a press release, “On behalf of the Philippine government we thank you very much for the tremendous outpouring of support from the U.S. government, Hawaii and all over the world. Mabuhay.”

Haiyan devastated parts of the Philippines in November 2013.