The Philippines and United States are ramping up the humanitarian component of Exercise Balikatan, with troops breaking ground on a classroom project in El Nido, Palawan ahead of the formal start of the annual military drills.
Three weeks before the April 20 opening, Filipino and American personnel launched the construction of a two-classroom building at New Ibajay Elementary School on March 27, marking one of the first Humanitarian and Civic Assistance (HCA) activities under this year’s exercise.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the project addresses a long-standing classroom shortage in the coastal town facing the West Philippine Sea, where overcrowding has affected students’ learning conditions.
“The project delivers a direct, high-impact response to classroom shortages, helping decongest facilities and improve learning conditions for students,” said Col. Xerxes Trinidad, AFP public affairs office chief.
While Balikatan is widely known for high-intensity naval drills and live-fire exercises, this year’s iteration is placing added emphasis on the alliance’s “soft power” through community-based initiatives.
The AFP said the classroom project demonstrates how defense cooperation can translate into tangible local benefits, serving as a bridge between military partnership and community development.
Trinidad said the initiative signals the start of a broader rollout of civil-military operations, with similar HCA projects expected as the exercise progresses.
“With the Exercise Balikatan set to formally commence this April, similar HCA activities are expected to be implemented, continuing the tradition of coupling joint military training with meaningful community engagement,” he said.
AFP Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. earlier said this year’s Balikatan will be the largest on record, including the first participation of Japanese troops in combat exercises, even as global tensions persist.
