Pacific Partnership kicks off with various activities, engagements

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 22): Pacific Partnership kicks off with various activities, engagements

The different humanitarian and civic engagements in Capiz in view of the Pacific Partnership 2015 in the Philippines has officially started.

The opening ceremonies here, July 20, came after the arrival of the Unites States Naval Hospital Ship Mercy in Roxas City last July 18.

The Pacific Partnership 2015 mission in the Philippines as host country covers the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, engineering civic action program, cooperative health engagements, civil military operations and cooperative surgical engagement on board USNS Mercy.

Particularly, the medical, surgical, dental as well as veterinary services, engineering works and disaster preparedness training are the focus of this engagement.

According to Mission Commander Capt. Christopher Engdahl, the 4-week mission in Capiz so far is their longest humanitarian and civic action stay.

Engdahl said that almost 1,000 personnel from the United States, Australia, South Korea, Malaysia, Japan and New Zealand including volunteers from the different non-government organizations are joining the US Naval Hospital Ship Mercy for the Visayas-leg humanitarian and civic activities of the Pacific Partnership 2015 in the Philippines.

The annual US Pacific Fleet humanitarian and civic assistance mission aims to strengthen cooperation, sharing of expertise, exchange of knowledge and expertise and prepare people in the Pacific region to be responsive, resilient and a coordinated response effort in times of natural disaster.

On the other hand, Capiz Governor Victor Tanco conveyed his appreciation to the men and women of the 2015 Pacific Partnership for the valuable contribution it will bring to the Capiceños through the various socio-civic activities which will last until Aug. 1.

Tanco said that this event in the country which is hosted by the province of Capiz will provide a spark to unity, oneness and solidarity in the path top progress.

Like the Pacific Partnership  that is guided by the principle of service and social responsibility, the same is also in line with his battle cry “Labi sa Tanan ang Tawo,” (Above all is People)  that champions the best service for the Capiceños.

Also in attendance during the opening ceremonies here were Task Force 73 Commander Rear Admiral Charlie Williams, Armed Forces of the Philippines Central Commander Lt. Gen. Nicanor Vivar, Office of the Civil Defense Regional Director Rosario Cabrera, Philippine Army 3rd Infantry Division Commander Rey Leonardo Guerrero and Guimaras Governor Samuel Gumarin, among others.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/991437553420/pacific-partnership-kicks-off-with-various-activities-engagements