NMCB 3 holds groundbreaking ceremony in Cebu, Philippines

From DVIDS (Jan 26): NMCB 3 holds groundbreaking ceremony in Cebu, Philippines

CEBU, Philipppines – Seabees, from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3 Construction Civic Action Detail (CCAD) Cebu, Philippines, held groundbreaking ceremony to commence construction of a new, two classroom building at Cantipay Elementary School in the province of Cebu, Dec. 14.

The ceremony marked the beginning of a three-month project in conjunction with the Joint U.S. Military Advisory Group (JUSMAG) Philippines, Armed Forces Philippines (AFP), and the Department of Education Philippines (DepEd) to provide much needed classrooms for the students of Cantipay Elementary School. 

Distinguished Guests included, members of the AFP, DePed, and local community leaders.

The day started with the project crew, AFP, community leaders and school teachers enjoying a traditional Filipino meal. The ceremony began with each countries' national anthem followed by performances of traditional Filipino songs and dances by the elementary school’s children.

The guest speakers included Alvin Tenchavez, the School’s Principal and Maj. Sarino from the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The guest speakers all expressed their sincere gratitude toward the U.S. Navy Seabees.

“These events are always a great opportunity for the Seabees to interact and get to know the local community,” said Lt.j.g. Tyler Anderson, CCAD Cebu officer-in-charge. “We are excited to build the school and continue building upon our outstanding relationship with our host country.”

The ceremony concluded with the leaders of the NMCB 3’s project crew and the distinguished guests breaking the ground, officially beginning the construction process. The groundbreaking ceremony was a communal bonding experience between the locals and the Seabees.

As a Humanitarian Assistance project in conjunction with the Armed Forces Philippines, this project allows the Seabees to assist a community in need, while increasing interoperability with Philippine Forces and building the relationships between the two nations. The new classrooms will provide some relief for the overcrowded school located in a rural area of the province of Cebu.

The CCAD's mission is to execute engineering civic assistance projects, conduct skills exchanges with the host nation, and perform community relations events to help enhance shared capabilities and maintain relationships.

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