Team Infidel
Forum Spin Doctor
Manila Times
February 26, 2008
SANTA ROSA, Nueva Ecija--Wearing military uniforms, American and Filipino soldiers wielded carpentry tools to repair the dilapidated school buildings in two public elementary schools here over the weekend.
Lt. Col. Ken Nava, spokesman of the US Army’s Task Force 294, said the soldiers who worked with their Filipino counterparts in repairing the school buildings of Barangays Liwayway and Doña Soledad donated their own money for the community project.
”There was no government money here, the soldiers donated amounts from their own pockets,” said Nava who said they also brought books and school materials for the pupils.
Major Fernando Los Bañes, spokesman of the Philippine Army’s Seventh Infantry Division, said there are about 500 American soldiers participating in the ongoing “Balikatan” military exercises. This is part of the country’s bilateral agreement with the US that provides for the strengthening of ties between the two nations.
Nava said his team was happy to receive the warm welcome from the pupils, their parents and teachers.
The soldiers did the construction works as they expressed feeling secure in the country. Nava said they were aware about the recurring political turmoil, “but we feel very safe here.”
They also held a dental mission benefiting hundreds of poor residents and their children in the said villages.
He said the American forces expect to learn more on jungle survival after the exercises.
Los Bañes, meanwhile, noted the townsfolk are helping the soldiers in their community service. “Bayanihan na nga ito. Tulong- tulong ang mga sundalong Amerikano, Filipino at mga magulang [This is cooperation with American and Filipino soldiers, along with the parents and members of the community helping each other],” he said.
--Armand M. Galang
February 26, 2008
SANTA ROSA, Nueva Ecija--Wearing military uniforms, American and Filipino soldiers wielded carpentry tools to repair the dilapidated school buildings in two public elementary schools here over the weekend.
Lt. Col. Ken Nava, spokesman of the US Army’s Task Force 294, said the soldiers who worked with their Filipino counterparts in repairing the school buildings of Barangays Liwayway and Doña Soledad donated their own money for the community project.
”There was no government money here, the soldiers donated amounts from their own pockets,” said Nava who said they also brought books and school materials for the pupils.
Major Fernando Los Bañes, spokesman of the Philippine Army’s Seventh Infantry Division, said there are about 500 American soldiers participating in the ongoing “Balikatan” military exercises. This is part of the country’s bilateral agreement with the US that provides for the strengthening of ties between the two nations.
Nava said his team was happy to receive the warm welcome from the pupils, their parents and teachers.
The soldiers did the construction works as they expressed feeling secure in the country. Nava said they were aware about the recurring political turmoil, “but we feel very safe here.”
They also held a dental mission benefiting hundreds of poor residents and their children in the said villages.
He said the American forces expect to learn more on jungle survival after the exercises.
Los Bañes, meanwhile, noted the townsfolk are helping the soldiers in their community service. “Bayanihan na nga ito. Tulong- tulong ang mga sundalong Amerikano, Filipino at mga magulang [This is cooperation with American and Filipino soldiers, along with the parents and members of the community helping each other],” he said.
--Armand M. Galang