First phase of US-PHL 'Exercise Balikatan 2014' starts in Albay

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 21): First phase of US-PHL 'Exercise Balikatan 2014' starts in Albay

The United States Embassy in Manila announced on Monday that American forces participating in the "Exercise Balikatan 2014" have started the first phase of the annual maneuvers by conducting preliminary work on community infrastructure projects in Legazpi City, Albay.

"Balikatan" is the annual Republic of the Philippines-US military bilateral training exercise and humanitarian assistance engagement.

The embassy said that "as a signature element of our nations’ robust alliance relationship, Balikatan will take place in the Philippines May 5 to 16."

During "Balikatan 2014," Philippine and US service members will conduct humanitarian civic assistance projects throughout Legazpi City.

Military medical personnel will offer free medical, dental and veterinary care.

Military engineers will construct and repair schools and other community infrastructure in selected communities.

The Balikatan exercise focuses on training members of both Philippine and US armed forces to provide relief and assistance in the event of natural disasters and other crises that endanger public health and safety.

Additionally, military service members from both countries will conduct combined staff exercises and field training in Crow Valley, Fort Magsaysay and Clark Field to improve their interoperability and contingency planning.

"Balikatan 2014" is the 30th iteration of the annual exercise.

This year, the Philippines and the United States have invited a number of personnel from other regional partner nations to attend a portion of the exercise.

“Balikatan” in Filipino means "shoulder-to-shoulder" and characterizes the spirit of the exercise.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=636463