Philippine Navy Commodore Victor Parawan, Commander of the Naval Reserve Command, speaks with U.S. Navy Capt. Lothrop S. “Buzz” Little, Commander of the U.S. CARAT Task Group, during the closing ceremony of the Philippines phase of CARAT 2004. Photo by PH2 Laura Heinkel, USNR

At an elementary school in Zambales, Philippine and U.S. Navy Seabees built a two-classroom addition. The classrooms will make room in the school for a library, as children move into the new classrooms, said Perlita Lapiz, the school’s principal. The combined Seabee team also constructed 50 feet (about 15 meters) of sidewalk and an associated covered walkway in front of the new classrooms. “We are very thankful,” said Perlita Lapiz. “The community is very happy as well about the joint efforts of the Philippine Navy and U.S. Navy.”

At Iram Elementary School near Olongapo City, U.S. Seabees installed 30 new chalkboards for 16 classrooms. “We are very happy the U.S. sailors are extending their support,” said Iram Elementary School principal Pastor Padua.  “Their support will help a lot in the learning process.”  Volcanic eruptions from Mount Pinatubo in 1991 displaced most of the 552 elementary students from mountain villages, he said. “This is a big help and we are very thankful.”

Conclusion
Commenting on the success of CARAT 2004 during a press conference, Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Delia Domingo-Albert said, “CARAT 2004 has indeed strengthened the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, especially the Philippine Navy, in the Government’s determined campaign against terrorism and in safeguarding the country’s maritime borders and resources.”

Echoing Secretary Albert’s comments during the closing ceremony for CARAT Philippines 2004, Capt. Lothrop S. “Buzz” Little, Commander of the U.S. CARAT Task Group, said, “[Exercise CARAT] demonstrates our maritime and militaries’ commitment to not only sharing information and situational awareness, but also the common goal of securing international seas and channels of commerce.” He added, “The goals we achieved could not have happened without the personal and professional interaction and respect between our armed forces. The friendships made today have laid the groundwork for, and will certainly benefit, future generations of sailors, officers, Coast Guardsmen, and leaders.”