Balikatan benefits communities

We welcome Balikatan exercises here in the Philippines. We have been witnesses to the benefits of the exercise which is held yearly in specific places where the need for the exercises is most appropriate. Balikatan is not only geared towards training of military forces from our country and the US. What is most important is training of troops to respond and conduct relief and rescue operations during natural disasters such as earthquake and flood.

Civic action works in our place such as medical and dental missions as well as engineering works, veterinary care and other worthwhile activities were well accepted by residents. The recent tragedy in the Visayas caused by “typhoon Yolanda” reminds us why Balikatan is so important. The training from Balikatan has enabled soldiers to be more than effective in responding to disaster and other crises that may affect public health and safety. Balikatan exercises always bring an optimistic note. — Alejandro Pastores Jr.,  Gapan, Nueva Ecija