ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Apr 9 (PIA) – Philippines Armed Forces and its American counterpart recently held a ground breaking ceremony for the construction of school buildings and water catchment system in four separate sites in Puerto Princesa City in Palawan.The Combined Joint Civil Military Operations Task Force (CJCMOTF) of Balikatan Exercises 2012 (BK12) composed of the Western Command (WESCOM), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and its counterpart in the United States Pacific Command (USPACOM) started construction of the projects at Tagbarungis Elementary School, Inagawan National High School-Tagbarungis Annex, Sta. Cruz Elementary School and Buenavista Elementary School, all in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan Province on March 19 and 20.
The 6th Civil Relation Group of the AFP disclosed that the construction of the four buildings with two classrooms each for the four barangays aimed to advance the joint and bilateral Engineering Civic Affairs Project (ENCAP) and interoperability between the RP-US Armed Forces. It also geared towards the increase in the ability to respond quickly and work together effectively to provide humanitarian and civic assistance to the local populace.
Local leaders together with students, teachers and guests welcomed the arrival of the RP and US armed forces composed of carpenters, electricians and engineers. “We are so lucky for it came just right in time since the next school year is coming and we are expecting additional number of enrollees that will surely need classrooms, these additional rooms will be of great help to our incoming students.” Mrs. Norma Dela Cruz, Tagbarungis High School Principal, pointed out during her speech.
The ceremony was graced by the top Commanders of CJCMOTF headed by Capt. Rosauro Sarmiento PN, Col. Philip Young US Army and the chaplains of both forces.
In his message, Capt. Sarmiento gave emphasis on the meaning of WORK for BK12. He further pointed out that the 2 armed forces are jointly working for a meaningful W.O.R.K, which means “We Organize and Remember the importance of Knowledge”.On the part of the US forces, Col. Young stated that, “It is a tremendous honor to US Joint Forces to assist the Armed Forces of the Philippines for these wonderful projects. There’s nothing more important than education. And for us to be contributing to the future education of the Filipino students, it is quite an honor for all of us. We hope to have a successful project and we are extremely grateful to have an opportunity to participate in this humanitarian civic assistance projects”.
The ENCAP activity offered the American and Philippine Armed Forces to learn from each other. US Forces were exposed to different techniques shown to them by the Filipino forces. Likewise, the Filipino forces were able to experience technology the American forces bring to the exercise. The project also provided an opportunity for both RP-US forces to experience each other’s culture.
"My favorite part about working with the Filipino Forces is the unity; the mixing of two cultures," said Chief Louie Alvarez, US forces in-charge of the ENCAP at barangay Buenavista.
During the ceremony, children performed songs and dances to show their appreciation. Words of encouragement and motivational speeches were given by local leaders and military service leaders who are executing the Balikatan exercise in Palawan province.
"Balikatan" is a Tagalog word which means "shoulder-to-shoulder." (6CRGAFP/RVC/PIA-9 ZBST)
