2009 BALIKATAN EXERCISES IN OLONGAPO

Now in its 25th year, the United States Navy (US Navy) together with the Philippine Navy is continuously extending community services to the City of Olongapo through Balikatan.

Balikatan is the annual bilateral military humanitarian assistance and training exercise between the Philippines and the United States taking place in Olongapo on April 16-30, 2009.

“Our activities for this year still include the painting and rehabilitation of public schools in Olongapo,” according to Lt. Cmdr. Gilbert O. Pacio, Balikatan 2009 Navy Sub Chief Joint Info Bureau and Overall Navy Community Relations Officer of the Philippine Navy. “Kasama na rin ang ilang facilities sa lungsod tulad ng Social Development Center (SDC) sa Old Cabalan.”

Aside from the painting of school building, the group also donated toys and books to selected public schools.

“It’s a very rewarding feeling being able to do good things for these students and the community, whether it’s painting buildings, donating toys or just spending time with the kids,” added Pacio.

Sailors of the US Navy and the Philippine Navy interacted with the kids in Barangay Barretto by playing a game of basketball and joined in the Filipino military tradition of “boodle fight,” where the food is lined up in a long table on top of banana leaves.

“It’s a good experience having the U.S. Navy and Philippine Navy working together,” said Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. “We hope to have more activities where Filipinos and the Americans are working together, and a long lasting friendship and the camaraderie can be developed.”

PAO/chay