US, FILIPINO SOLDIERS BUILD CLASSROOM IN LA UNION

May 17, 2024 Provincial

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union

The Philippines and the United States Armed Forces (USAF) inaugurated two-classroom school building in an
elementary school in Brgy. San Agustin in this city recently as part of the 2024 Balikatan Exercise. The seven-meter x 19- meter classrooms aim to provide a more conducive learning facility to students of the school. The school building was constructed as a joint effort of all the Philippine and US soldiers, Australian engineers, the school, and local officials. The costs for the materials were shouldered fully by the USAF.

In his message, Brigadier General Raymond Adams, commanding general of Force Head Quarters Group, extended
his gratitude to the Armed Forces of the Philippines for standing shoulder to shoulder with them in strengthening
partnerships, developing longlasting relationships, and continuing to learn from one another. “I am humbled by the
opportunity to stand here at this new facility which will play an important role in building their future,” said Adams.

Meanwhile, Alma Balubar, principal of San Agustin Elementary School, said “On behalf of 361 learners, 24 strong
teaching and three non-teaching staff, our heart is overflowing with joy because finally we have a newly-built instructional classroom to use.” “Balikatan” is a Filipino term that means “shoulder-to-shoulder” or “sharing the load together,” which characterizes the spirit of the exercise and the alliance between the Philippines and the United States. Further, it strengthens international partnerships and the participating militaries’ abilities to rapidly respond to crises throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

(JCR/AMB/KJCR, PIA La Union)