February 26, 2007

 

 

AFP, U.S. MILITARY ENGINEERS BUILD, REPAIR SCHOOLS IN BASAK

Story by Capt. Meritt Phillips

Joint Special Operations Task Force- Philippines PAO

 

            BASAK, MARAWI, Republic of the Philippines- Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military engineers are working shoulder to shoulder, building and repairing Basak Elementary School, one of the many engineering projects currently taking place during Balikatan 2008.

 

            Filipino builders of the 524^th Engineering Construction Battalion, 52^nd Engineering Brigade, Barangay Maria Cristin, Balo-I, Lanao del Norte, and U.S. Sailors attached to Underwater Construction Unit 2, Port Hueneme, Calif., began working Feb. 15 on the new construction and renovations to the elementary school. They are scheduled to complete the project Feb. 29.

 

            When complete, the school project will include a new classroom, a new stage, a new flag pole, and it will be freshly painted.  Two existing classrooms are also being repaired. The project costs approximately $40,000 dollars.

 

            “One of the interesting aspects of working with the Filipino Seabees is that we learn a lot of practical ways to build,” said Chief Petty Officer Jason Ventin, officer in charge, UCU 2.  “For example, mixing concrete on the ground instead of in a bucket when one is not available.  They are very diligent with the care and use of their tools and teach this to us, which is why some of their units have workable saws that are 30 years old.” 

 

            “This opportunity to work shoulder to shoulder with our American counterparts has allowed us to impart our expertise, training and style to our counterparts,” said 1^st Lt. Elvin Rayo, officer in charge of the 19-man construction element from the 524^th ECB. “The primary job of the 524^th ECB, is to support the socio-economic infrastructure of the government.”

 

            Balikatan, an annual Republic of the Philippines-U.S. bilateral military humanitarian assistance and training exercise, is taking place in the Philippines Feb. 18 - March 3, 2008. 

 

            During Balikatan 2008, Philippine and U.S. members of the armed forces are conducting humanitarian assistance projects throughout the Philippines including free medical, dental and veterinary care, and construction and repair of community infrastructure for those in most need of assistance. 

 

            Balikatan’s focus is on joint training of the AFP and U.S. forces to provide relief and assistance in the event of natural disasters or other crises that endanger public health and safety.  Military service members of both countries are also conducting combined staff exercises and field training in Luzon to improve contingency planning and strengthen maritime security. 

 

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