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Balikatan 2008, Joint AFP-US Humanitarian Activities

Dentists inject a local anesthetic prior to extracting an ailing tooth during a Balikatan 2008, medical mission conducted Feb. 15, at Siasi East Elementary School. Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military doctors shoulder the load together to help the greatest possible number of people in need through humanitarian assistance and training activities. This year's Balikatan activities in Central and Western Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago, includes approximately 23 projects, providing free medical, dental, and veterinary clinics; and construction and repair of schools and other community infrastructure.
(From left) Brig. Gen. Nestor Sadiarin, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alberto Romulo, U.S. Ambassador Kristie Kenney, Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. and U.S. Army Brig. Gen. John Ma hold hands during the opening ceremony of Balikatan 2008 at Camp Aguinaldo, Philippines Feb. 18. Balikatan 2008 focuses on training armed forces from the Republic of the Philippines and the U.S. to provide relief and assistance together in the event of crises, as well as strengthen maritime security. Both countries’ forces will also conduct numerous humanitarian assistance and community relations activities. (Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Jason Shepherd)
Members of the Joint Color Guard stand ready for the opening ceremony of Balikatan 2008 at Camp Aguinaldo, Philippines Feb. 18. Balikatan 2008 focuses on training armed forces from the Republic of the Philippines and the U.S. to provide relief and assistance together in the event of crises, as well as strengthen maritime security. Both countries’ forces will also conduct numerous humanitarian assistance and community relations activities. (Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Jason Shepherd)
Corpsman 1st Class Robert O. Beveridge, attached to Health Services Support, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, along with an AFP colleague, perform a medical consultation with the local community as part of Balikatan 2008. During the Balikatan 2008 humanitarian assistance and training activities, military service members from the U.S. and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines are working together to improve maritime security and ensure humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts are efficient and effective. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua Wahl)
A patient is examined by a U.S. military medical provider and a volunteer nursing student from Marawi State University during a free medical clinic held in Tagaya, Lanao del Sur as part of the humanitarian assistance programs of the 24th annual Balikatan activity February 21. The event provided medical, dental and optometric care to 643 children and adults. True to the meaning of the word balikatan, AFP and U.S. military medical providers are shouldering the load together to help
At Clark Air Base, Philippine Air Force Tech. Sgt. Joselito Penalba, left, a maintenance crew chief with the 15th Strike Wing, explains the capabilities of an OV-10 B fighter plane to U.S. Marines from Marine Attack Squadron VMA 513, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, Feb. 20, during Balikatan 2008. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Marc Ayalin)
During training exercises at Fort Ramon Magsaysay, Philippine Army Tech. Sgt. Jaime Donato jokes with American soldiers while showing them how to recover after slipping off a rope bridge Feb. 19 during Balikatan 2008. Donato is an instructor of the ropes course at the Special Forces School in Fort Magsaysay. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kevin M. Knallay)
Philippine Army Master Sgt. Jaime Agonoy gives a drink of water to a U.S. soldier from a cut stalk of bamboo, one of the methods to gather water, during the survival course Feb. 19 at Fort Ramon Magsaysay during Balikatan 2008. Agonoy is the chief instructor of the survival course at the Philippine Army’s Special Forces School. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kevin M. Knallay)

Last Update :: 02/25/2008

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