Dona Mercedes Elementary School receives renovations from combined Philippine and U.S. efforts

Photo By Cpl. Kevin Crist | Members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. Navy Seabees lay the foundation for a classroom walkway at Dona Mercedes Elementary School April 28 in Guinobatan, Albay Province, Philippines. The construction and renovations are one of five projects being completed through the engineering civic assistance program as a part of Exercise Balikatan, an annual bilateral training exercise and humanitarian assistance engagement between members of the Philippine and U.S. armed forces that focuses on improving interoperability and strengthening the partnership of the two allied countries. The U.S. Navy Seabees are with Navy Mobile Construction Battalion One. (Photo by U.S. Marine Cpl. Kevin Crist)  

LEGAZPI, PHILIPPINES

05.04.2014

Courtesy Story

Exercise Balikatan       

GUINOBATAN, Albay Province, Philippines – Philippine and U.S. Navy Seabees work together to construct a classroom and provide renovations to Dona Mercedes Elementary School April 17 – May 15 in Guinobatan, Albay Province, Philippines.

The construction and renovations are one of five projects being completed through the engineering civic assistance program as a part of Exercise Balikatan, an annual bilateral training exercise and humanitarian assistance engagement between members of the Philippine and U.S. armed forces that focuses on improving interoperability and strengthening the partnership of the two allied countries.

“The opportunity to meet the people here and work side by side with the Philippine Navy has made this the experience of a lifetime,” said U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Patrick J. Smith, a builder with Navy Mobile Construction Battalion One.

The partnership between the Philippine and U.S. Seabees has been a mutual learning experience, and provided an opportunity for each unit to share the best practices and techniques they use doing similar work.

“We have learned so much from each other,” said Philippine Navy 1st Lt. Alvin O. Narvadez, ENCAP site assistant officer in charge. “While we are from different places, we are united in our goal to better the community.”

The addition to the school will allow for smaller class sizes and more one-on-one interaction between the teachers and students. The school is also a community meeting center, and gives the builders a chance to see the people they are helping.

“The support of the community has really given us extra motivation,” said Smith. “I am very proud that we can give these people a place that will make their lives better.”

• Date Taken: 05.04.2014
• Date Posted: 05.04.2014 04:48
• Story ID: 128649
• Location: LEGAZPI, PH
• Hometown: LEGAZPI, ALB, PH