Engineering Projects Provide Lead-in to Balikatan Exercise in Philippines

A number of construction projects that will benefit local communities and enhance the skills of military engineers as part of exercise Balikatan are set to begin in early April in the Philippines. Balikatan officially kicks off Apr. 16.

As noted by the Philippine Information Agency, the projects include road construction, upgrades to water systems, and additions at several schools.

U.S. Army, U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps engineers will work alongside their Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) counterparts to complete the projects. Partnering in this way not only provides assistance to these communities, but allows the engineers to learn from one another and improve their ability to work together as a team.

Balikatan will emphasize training and activities that ensure disaster relief efforts are more responsive, efficient and effective. Included in this professional development are numerous medical outreach projects that will have medical professionals from both nations assisting local communities.

Balikatan is U.S. Pacific Command’s premier bilateral military exercise with the AFP. The Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the United States have a long relationship and history of working together. This partnership includes a 57-year mutual defense treaty.