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U.S. Marine Sgt. Maj. Richard Dorsey plays basketball with children at the Angeles Bahay Bata Center.
Photo By LCpl. Thomas Hudzinski, USN |
AFP Cpl. Ezer Lenon and U.S. Seabees, UT1 John Brillowski and UT1 Robert Horneij, cut pipes for a deepwater well at the Bacungan Elementary School.
Photo by PH2 Felix Garza Jr., USN |
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All the little ladies in the room, ranging in age from eight to 16 years old, seemed inspired by a female flight surgeon, U.S. Navy Lt. Jessica Taylor, who said, "I’m able to show that men and women are equal, and we can do as much as they can and sometimes even more.” Several Marines inspired the kids with the same message: “You can be whatever you desire.” Each Marine shared individual challenges he overcame to achieve success, and noted they were continuing their quest for knowledge by attending college classes. “This community relations event couldn’t have been more successful,” observed Lt. Ingram. “These children have been deprived of hope and self-esteem. Our Marines and sailors demonstrated that anything is possible. They let the children know that whatever they set their mind on achieving, they will accomplish.”
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Children at the Angeles Bahay Bata Center look at pictures of themselves on a digital camera held by U.S. Marine Cpl. Angela Cherry.
Photo By LCpl. Thomas Hudzinski, USN |
Conclusion
During the closing ceremony at the AFP Western Command Headquarters, in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo received the keys to several new facilities constructed during the Engineering Civic Action Projects (ENCAP). She also accepted, on behalf of the Filipino people, $3 million worth of medical supplies donated by the United States through the Humanitarian Assistance Excess Property Program.
“I made it a point to hold BALIKATAN 2004 in Palawan to emphasize the blessings to our country of a strong relationship to the U.S.,” said President Arroyo. “If we can have Exercise BALIKATAN in Palawan every year, we will have more of the ENCAP projects: schools, clinics. Thank you Palawan for hosting the exercises, and thank you – the American and the Philippine Armed Forces -- for this wonderful partnership of teaching each other how to make our lives safer for the Philippines and the world.”
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AFP members and U.S. Seabees work on a building at the Manuel Memorial Elementary School during one of many engineering civic action projects.
Photo by PH2 Felix Garza Jr., USN |
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