Home

Foreword

Regional
Security  ::

Japan-U.S. Forces Protecting Common Interests in KEEN EDGE / YAMA SAKURA 2007

Indian Navy Enhances Amphibious Capability Building Trust and Security

Strengthening the ROK-U.S. Alliance in RSOI/FOAL EAGLE 2007

War On Terror  ::

AMAN 2007: Nations United Against Maritime Terrorism

Humanitarian
Aid  ::

Partnership for Health in Vietnam

Partnership for Peace and Security in BALIKATAN 2007

Focus Area ::

U.S. Commitment to Asia-Pacific Security: F-22A Fighter

Happenings  ::

Happenings

Medical Civic Action Programs (MEDCAPs)
AFP and U.S. forces set up 12 free medical clinics for more than 6,000 residents in Pob Buluan, Maguindano province; Munai, Lanao del Norte province; and on the island of Patikul in Sulu province. To deter terrorists who operate in the Southern Philippines, AFP soldiers provided security for MEDCAP personnel and residents being treated at the clinics.

Residents received medical checkups, immunizations, medicine, minor surgeries, eye exams, and dental care. In addition, veterinary personnel treated nearly 400 animals. The clinics brought brighter smiles to the residents who appreciated the services extended to them by MEDCAP personnel.

Engineering Civic Action Programs
Philippine and U.S. military personnel worked together on several renovation projects in Sulu province and in Tawi-Tawi province. The two forces built a school building; improved a four-kilometer road; built home foundations for low-income families; renovated schools, a day-care center, and a health clinic; and repaired and reconstructed a boat ramp and pier.

Outside Manila, AFP and U.S. forces worked alongside the Philippine-based charitable organization Gawad Kalinga and student volunteers from Assumption College to dig home foundations for families in need. “We’re working shovel to shovel here to make a difference in these peoples’ lives,” said Maj. Gen. Tom, as he scooped dirt alongside his Philippine counterparts.

The construction site is part of a larger project sponsored by Gawad Kalinga, which plans to build 700,000 homes in 7,000 communities in seven years. The project coordinator for Assumption College, Carole Diamante, said, “All the volunteers are helping to make a difference in these families’ lives. We’re trying to build people and the community for real empowerment. Our commitment is to the people. We’ll be committed for a lifetime.”

In the village of Bato Bato, resident Nader Daud and his friends watched as AFP, U.S. Marines, and U.S. Navy Seabees worked every day on the main dirt road that leads from the village to Jolo City. Local citizens travel the road to the city almost every day to sell crafts, buy food, and trade goods to support their families. But during three months of the year, heavy rains cause erosion and ruts making travel nearly impossible for vehicles.

“This [road] ... will require attention every day we are here,” said U.S. Marine SSgt. Jami D. Larson. “The road is more than [four kilometers long], and with vehicles coming through here every day, it’s impossible to shut this road down. We had to tear up the existing road,” he added. “There were no drainage ditches. Working here through the duration is the only way this road will be finished.”

Once completed, the new dirt and gravel road will be usable by residents year-round. “The rocks we’re using are [7.6 centimeters] long on average, and are much larger compared to what we’re used to working with,” said U.S. Navy PO1 Robert N. Rossell. “Now we have to use dirt to fill the gaps between the rocks to make sure everything is compacted so the road will stay together.”

E-mail: apdforum@apan-info.net