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6,000 Mindanao Residents Receive Free Health Care during Balikatan 2007; Exercises Also Help in Construction Projects

Residents throughout Mindanao received free general checkups, immunizations, medicine, minor surgeries, vision testing, and dental work during 12 medical clinics conducted as part of the annual Balikatan bilateral military exercises. Pictured above, a U.S. and Filipino dentist assist a patient. This year's exercise focuses primarily on humanitarian projects in Mindanao, especially Jolo Island, including multiple free medical, dental, veterinary, and engineering projects carried out by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and U.S. personnel.
Pictured above, a U.S. Military veterinarian gives medicine to a family's goat during free medical and veterinary programs conducted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. Military during Balikatan 2007. Aside from the 12 free medical clinics they are holding in Mindanao, the Philippine and U.S. military personnel are also joining together for a number of construction and renovation projects on the islands of Jolo and Tawi-Tawi, such as a 4-kilometer road improvement project; renovation of schools, a day care center, and a health clinic; and repair and reconstruction of a boat ramp and pier.
U.S. and Philippine forces participating in bilateral military exercises worked all day with students from Assumption College and Gawad Kalinga volunteers at a Gawad Kalinga construction site in Cavite. Gawad Kalinga is a nonprofit charitable organization that aims to build 700,000 homes in 7,000 communities in 7 years. The American and Filipino military personnel helped dig five foundations that will provide 38 low-income homes.
U.S. Marines and Seabees visiting the Philippines for the annual bilateral Exercise Balikatan are helping thousands of Mindanao residents stay healthy through free medical clinics sponsored with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Pictured above, a doctor prepares instruments and medical supplies during one of the 12 free medical clinics the militaries are holding during Balikatan. More than 6,000 Mindanao residents have received free treatment, and nearly 400 animals have received free veterinary services.
U.S. Military veterinarian gives medicine to a family's carabao during free medical and veterinary programs conducted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. Military during Balikatan 2007. Aside from the 12 free medical clinics they are holding in Mindanao, the Philippine and U.S. military personnel are also joining together for a number of construction and renovation projects on the islands of Jolo and Tawi-Tawi, such as a 4-kilometer road improvement project; renovation of schools, a day care center, and a health clinic; and repair and reconstruction of a boat ramp and pier.
Philippine and U.S. military personnel conducting humanitarian programs in Mindanao take a break to enjoy a buko drink. During Balikatan, the two militaries are joining together for a number of construction and renovation projects; to conduct free medical and veterinary clinics for local residents; and to conduct a combined staff exercise that emphasizes crisis action planning in a maritime security scenario.
U.S. Marines and Seabees visiting the Philippines for the annual bilateral Exercise Balikatan were thrilled when the local community in Bato Bato, Jolo sponsored a two-day bazaar for the visitors. The U.S. personnel were excited to buy necklaces, guitars, cloth, and other local crafts to bring home as gifts for family and friends, and as souvenirs to remember their visit to the Philippines. Pictured above, a U.S. Marine receives her change after purchasing jewelry from a vendor at the bazaar. She is working with the Armed Forces of the Philippines on engineering-focused civil assistance projects such as building roads.
A U.S. soldier plays a locally made guitar with community members he befriended during a local bazaar in Bato Bato, Jolo. Local residents set up booths to sell local artwork, handicrafts, and food to visiting U.S. Marines and Seabees who are in Jolo for Exercise Balikatan 2007. They are working with the AFP to repair a road that connects Bato Bato to the island's largest municipality, Jolo City. During three months out of the year, heavy rains cause erosion and ruts on the dirt road, making travel nearly impossible for vehicles.

Last Update :: 03/02/2007

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