From DVIDS (May 4): Philippine, U.S. forces renovate Malobago Elementary School
GUINOBATAN, Albay Province, Philippines – Members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. Marines together to renovate Malabago Elementary School April 17 – May 15 in Guinobatan, Albay Province, Philippines. Renovations include the construction of two classrooms, a water catchment system, a kitchen and the repairs of the electrical system and roofs.
The construction and renovations are part of Exercise Balikatan, an annual bilateral exercise that focuses on keeping the international bond strong and improving the quality of life for the people of the Albay Province.
The additions to the school will allow for smaller class sizes and fresh water for the children of the community. The new kitchen will replace an existing bamboo hut and will allow for better production of meals in conjunction with the new source of fresh water, explained U.S. Marine 1st Lt. Daniel B. Comito, the engineering civic assistance program site officer in charge with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force.
The partnership between the AFP members and U.S. Marines has been a learning experience for both units. Shared knowledge and expertise on topics ranging from bending metal to ensuring a level foundation has led to more efficient and effective construction, according to U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Lee Halls.
“We have learned so much from each other here,” said Halls, a corpsman at the site. “We show each other our construction techniques to build something the community can be proud of.”
The renovated school will provide the community a place to come together, and has already been filled with local community members who visit to watch the work being done.
“We have a close relationship with the people in the area,” said Comito. “It’s really amazing to be able to see the effect we have on the community.”
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/128651/philippine-us-forces-renovate-malobago-elementary-school#.U2aW-MZOWAI
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