MANILA, Philippines—The Balikatan Exercises between Philippine and United States armed forces will help to improve the disaster response capabilities of the Philippines.
US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg. AFP FILE PHOTO
“Balikatan is a prime example of the benefits that mutual security cooperation can bring to both countries,” United States (US) Ambassador Philip Goldberg said Monday at the launch of the Balikatan Exercises.
“While this may be an exercise, the skills you practice have real world implications for the safety and security, not only of the Philippines, but the entire region,” he said.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario said that the recently signed Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) will help in the prepositioning of assets in disaster-prone areas to allow faster response which can save lives.
The EDCA, signed just hours before US President Barack Obama’s state visit on April 28, allows US military forces to utilize military bases of the Philippines and the entry of an “increased rotational presence” of US troops.
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