The Palace announced the start of Balikatan exercises between Philippine and U.S. Forces aimed at enhancing the readiness of both militaries against any challenge.
“Bukas, Lunes, ika-20 ng Abril pormal na sisimulan ng Pilipinas at Estados Unidos ang sampung araw na Balikatan exercises,” Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr said during a radio interview Sunday.
“Ito ang ika-31 edisyon ng Balikatan mula nang ito’y sinimulang isagawa noong 1951, alinsunod sa Mutual Defense Treaty sa pagitan ng Pilipinas at Estados Unidos,” he told dzRB Radyo Ng Bayan.
The Philippines and the U.S., through the defense agreement, continue to work together to enhance the readiness of their forces aimed at ensuring regional stability and security, Coloma said.
“Ang kahandaan sa paglulunsad ng agarang pagtugon sa mga krisis bunsod ng mga kalamidad ay isa ring mahalagang aspeto ng kooperasyon.”
Filipino and American soldiers will not only conduct military drills but will also build school building as well as provide services to the community hosting the Balikatan exercises.
Soldiers will also conduct trainings and seminars for first responders for community health nursing, common diseases during calamities, and healthy lifestyle to help the people in the local community.
Coloma also said that according to the Department of National Defense, as part of the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief program, both Filipino and American forces will conduct structural assessment on seaport and airports in Capiz, Aklan, and Iloilo, which were damaged by Typhoon Yolanda. PND (as) |