BY TVJ STAFF
TUGUEGARAO CITY (March 9)—The 37th Philippines-United States Armed Forces Balikatan exercises formally began in the province of Cagayan through the simultaneous groundbreaking ceremonies of school building projects under the Engineering Civic Action Program (Encap) on Monday.
The US government has allotted $100,000 to each of the four schools namely Taggat Sur and Pinas Elementary School in Claveria, Cagayan, Masi Elementary School in Rizal, Cagayan and San Francisco Elementary School in Alicia, Isabela.
Expected to be completed in April this year, each building measures 18×17 square meters, according to Philippine Army’s 17th Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Col. Oliver Logan.
Logan said the Balikatan exercises give opportunity for the US Air Force to share their skills with Philippine Army troops.
He said the Balikatan exercises also aim to strengthen the Army’s friendship with the forces and to exchange knowledge, tactics and other means in many other aspects.
Logan reiterated that no live-firing exercise will take place in accordance with the resolution of the Cagayan Provincial Peace and Order Council led by Gov. Manuel Mamba.
He said the resolution was approved by the Presidential Commission on Visiting Forces.
Lt. Austin Koch, United States Armed Forces US Site officer in charge, noted that the Encap will serve as a way for the US and Philippine Forces to cooperate in the construction of the new buildings.
The US government will also provide for the equipment until the project is completed.
Koch said they will be providing materials and other heavy equipment for the duration of construction of the classrooms.
“We are very willing to teach Filipino forces on using these advanced technologies as they will be teaching us how to build buildings in their own way,” Koch said.
“We will work side by side. Now, I am pretty much excited to learn the innovative process from Filipinos and we really do appreciate everyone.”
The management of the said schools and the people expressed gratitude by warmly welcoming the US and Philippine forces.