NOTICE TO THE MEDIA: COVERING ACTIVITIES OF BALIKATAN 2008
The 24 th annual Philippines-U.S. "Balikatan" humanitarian assistance and training activities formally commenced on February 18, 2008. "Balikatan 2008" focuses primarily on civil-military and humanitarian projects in Luzon, Palawan, Lanao, Basilan, and Tawi-tawi. They include multiple medical, dental, veterinary, and engineering projects carried out by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and U.S. military personnel, along with local volunteers and community leaders.
These Community Relations events are all open to the media for coverage, and will take place according to the following schedule.
Schedule of Balikatan 2008 Community Relations Events, February 22-26:
| Date |
Events |
Location |
| Feb. 22 |
St. Juliana school
Area beautification
Cultural dancing demonstrations
Cultural sports events
|
Crow Valley |
| Feb. 22 |
Barangay Soledad Elementary School
Barangay Liwayway Elementary School
Distribution of books and various school supplies
Area beautification
School repairs conducted from special donation
Dental screenings (75) residents |
Fort Magsaysay |
| Feb. 23 |
Local Children Visit AFB
AFP Air Force aircraft on display
US Air Force aircraft on display
Distribution of clothes, books, school supplies
Special guest: Jollibee
|
Clark Air Field |
| Feb. 26 |
Maragondon National High School
Dedication Ceremony for completion
Special tour of new facilities |
Ternate |
Media interested in attending these events should contact the Combined Joint Information Bureau (CJIB) at Clark AFB phone 632-845-1888 (ext 1001). Media may also contact Embassy Public Affairs at 301-2452/2505 or email mnlinfooffice@state.gov.
Exercise events are subject to change. Media Advisories will be disseminated once all exercise dates are solidified.
« Feb. 22–Mar. 3 - In Central and Western Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago, Philippine and U.S. members of the armed forces continue to offer free medical, dental, and veterinary care and construct and repair schools and other community infrastructure.
For further details, please contact: meritt.phillips@oef-p2.jtf.pacom.mil or afppio@yahoo.com.
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