Philippines, US troops to construct school building in Palawan

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino and American soldiers are working together for the construction of a two-classroom building in El Nido, Palawan, as part of this year’s Balikatan Exercise.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said that soldiers on Friday led local officials and educators in a groundbreaking event at the New Ibajay Elementary School.

The project, the AFP said, is expected to address classroom shortage and improve learning conditions of students.

AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said that under the humanitarian and civic assistance of the Balikatan Exercise, the initiative reflects the Philippine-US partnership in action, pairing defense cooperation with tangible community development.

“With the Balikatan Exercise set to commence this April, similar humanitarian and civic assistance activities are expected to be implemented, continuing the tradition of linking the joint military training with meaningful community engagements,” Trinidad said.