US Marines, PHL Navy men to turn over renovated school rooms in Albay

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 9): US Marines, PHL Navy men to turn over renovated school rooms in Albay

After three weeks of conducting humanitarian mission in Albay, the United States Marine Corps (USMC) and the Naval Forces Southern Luzon are set to hand over to the Department of Education (DepEd) and the provincial government the renovated school classrooms in Taysan Elementary School in Barangay Taysan here Thursday, Oct. 10.

Commodore Natalio Abinuman, commanding officer of the Naval Forces Southern Luzon, said the USMC and their unit has been conducting the RP-US Amphibious Landing Exercise 14 (PHIBLEX 14) since Sept. 25 wherein they also hold medical and dental missions, aside from repairing dilapidated school classrooms at the Taysan Elementary School.

US Marine Brig. Gen. Paul J. Kenedy, commanding general of the USMC 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, is expected to arrive here to lead the handover ceremony on Thursday morning.

The US Marines from the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade in Okinawa, Japan, arrived at the Legazpi City Domestic Airport via USMC KC-130J personnel carrier and proceeded to the Tactical Operations Group 5-Philippine Air Force.

The unit, composed of medics and technical men, stayed here for three weeks under the RP-US Amphibious Landing Humanitarian Exercise.

This combined humanitarian mission is the third component of the Amphibious Landing Exercise or Phiblex.

“The exercise aims to improve interoperability and cooperation between US and Philippine governments. We focus on bilateral cooperation,” Abinuman said.

It also aims to enhance the combat readiness of both armed forces to promote security cooperation in the region.

Prior the turnover, a cultural night will be held Wednesday at the Navforsol multi-purpose hall wherein the Filipino men in uniform will showcase the culture and traditions of the country.

Abinuman said the activity aims to promote the rich Filipino culture and traditions, particularly in Albay.

Similarly, the commodore added, it will also give more opportunities to both countries to build up friendship and gain diplomatic relationship between them.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=574550