AFP, U.S. armed forces continue health center construction

Photo By Cpl. Kevin Crist | Philippine Navy Seaman 1st Class Lawrence Segovia, right, and U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Lawrence Townsend build a wall for Barangay Malobago Health Center April 29 at Guinobatan, Albay Province, Philippines, April 29. The medical center is 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 strengthening the longstanding alliance and improving interoperability. Segovia is a mason and carpenter, and Townsend is a builder. (Photo by U.S. Marine Cpl. Kevin Crist)  

LEGAZPI, PHILIPPINES

04.28.2014

Courtesy Story

Exercise Balikatan       

GUINOBATAN, Albay Province, Philippines – Members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. armed forces work together to build the barangay Malobago Health Center April 17 – May 15 in Guinobatan, Albay Province, Philippines.

The construction of the health center is one of the humanitarian civic assistance programs taking place 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, focusing on improving interoperability and strengthening the partnership of the two allied countries.

As the only medical treatment facility in the area, the Malabago Health Center will serve as the primary care center, and provide preventative and basic medical care for the surrounding community

“When finished, this will be the only medical treatment available within a 45 minute drive from anywhere in the area,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Virak Dara, civil engineer. “This medical center will become a landmark in the community.”

Building the medical center has not only provided an opportunity to positively impact the community, but also to strengthen the bond between the Filipino and American service members, according to U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Roberts A. Phelps.

“We are building this medical center from the ground up,” said Phelps, the engineering civic assistance program site noncommissioned officer in charge. “Working with the Philippine military has truly been a bonding experience.”

The joint military civic assistance project allows service members from the Philippines and U.S. to demonstrate the meaning of Balikatan and work “shoulder-to-shoulder.”

“The best part of coming to the Philippines,” said Dara, “has been learning from each other and how we are able to relate through our differences,”

• Date Taken: 04.28.2014
• Date Posted: 05.02.2014 06:45
• Story ID: 128501
• Location: LEGAZPI, PH
• Hometown: LEGAZPI, ALB, PH