April 30, 2009
MORE THAN 22,000 FILIPINOS RECEIVED FREE MEDICAL, DENTAL CARE DURING RP-US “BALIKATAN 2009”
Balikatan, an annual Republic of the Philippines-U.S. bilateral military humanitarian assistance and training exercise, formally concluded today at Camp Aguinaldo. During the closing ceremony, final reports and congratulatory remarks were offered by U.S. Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney, Department of National Defense Undersecretary for Civil, Veterans and Reserve Affairs Ernesto G. Carolina; AFP Chief of Staff General Alexander B. Yano, and the two Balikatan 2009 Exercise Co-Directors, Philippine Commodore Ramon Espera and U.S. Marine Brigadier General Ronald L. Bailey. The distinguished guests also presented awards to the winners of the Balikatan 2009 Photo Competition, who were selected from among 300 entries from civilian and military photographers.
“Balikatan is an extraordinary opportunity for the militaries of our two great nations to work together, to learn from each other and ultimately benefit civilians,” said U.S. Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney. “It is thanks to your efforts, day in and day out, to be the best you can be, to be strong, to know how to work with partners so that if and when a disaster strikes, as it has, in Leyte a few years ago, we’re ready to work together. I, as a civilian, know that our militaries will be ready to come to our rescue,” she added.
During Balikatan 2009, Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military service members worked shoulder-to-shoulder with local medical and civil-defense personnel to carry out humanitarian assistance in local communities. The experience enabled AFP and U.S. military service members to get to know each other and train together, while providing assistance to thousands of local residents. Dental Civic Action Programs (DENCAPs) offered free dental services to more than 12,000 people and an additional 10,000 people received other medical services free of charge through Medical Civic Action Programs (MEDCAPs), in ten communities of Barangay Limpapa, Zamboanga City; Albay, Sorsogon, and Masbate Provinces of the Bicol region; in Ternate, Cavite Province; and Dingalan, Aurora Province. Two veterinarian Civic Action Programs (VETCAPs) provided treatment to more than 300 animals. In Albay, Sorsogon, and Masbate Provinces, Engineering Civic Action Programs (ENCAPs) built and renovated two schools, two roads, and dug two water wells.
In 25 communities of Central and Southern Luzon, four schools, one clinic, and two orphanages were renovated. Twenty-two tons of toys, clothing, and other supplies were distributed to families in need. In addition, Philippine and U.S. military members conducted combined staff exercises and field training in Luzon to improve interoperability and contingency planning.
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