PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan, Philippines – US Marines temporarily shed off their reputation as fierce fighters last Wednesday and transformed into gift-givers and playmates of school children in a depressed village here.
Members of the 31st US Marine Expeditionary Unit turned over balls and school supplies to the Barangay Sicsican Elementary School as part of the activities of the annual Amphibious Landing Exercise or PHIBLEX with Philippine troops.
The scorching heat of the sun did not prevent the students and teachers from showing hospitality to the US soldiers who came to the school on board two 6x6 military trucks.
The school children welcomed the US Marines and their Filipino counterparts with small US and Philippine flags while shouting “it’s nice to see you here.”
The children tried to emulate the military salute as they faced the US and Filipino soldiers who willingly returned the gesture.
Members of the US Marine unit, some of them assigned previously in Iraq and Afghanistan, gamely shook hands with the children who enthusiastically gathered around them as if they were popular mascots.
The school teachers, who called off regular classes that day to give way to the turnover ceremony, also asked the children to wave banners with the words “God bless you” and “Please come again.”
Children also showed their appreciation to the guests by singing “In the Navy,” “Glowing Inside” and “Thank You” during the program.
“Seeing the students is an emotional moment for me. The students are happy and it’s a pleasure to meet them,” said Capt. Caleb Eames, public affairs officer of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.
Eames said while some view the Marines as fearless combatants, they are most happy when playing with children.
Angelica San Jose, principal of the Sicsican Elementary School, said the notebooks, pens and pencils would help address the educational needs of their students. The school supplies are expected to benefit about 1,100 students of the school.
The turnover of the school supplies and balls was witnessed by deputy Marine commandant Brig. Gen. Eugenio Clemen, executive director of the Presidential Commission on the Visiting Forces Agreement Edilberto Adan, US Marines Maj. Eric Mattson, local officials of Puerto Princesa, faculty members, and parents of students.
“I hope you (students) play hard and study hard,” Mattson told the students.
1Lt. Cherryl Tindog, spokesperson of the Philippine Marines Corps, said civil-military operations such as gift-giving activities are intended to improve their relations with the community.
Mattson said the US Marines are ready to implement more development programs in the Philippines.
This year’s PHIBLEX started last Oct. 17 and ends today. The exercises involve the conduct of simulations intended to boost the interoperability of US and Filipino soldiers.