Balikatan 2014: ‘We all came to learn from each other’

MANILA, Philippines – After nearly two weeks of military exercises and humanitarian missions, the 30th reiteration of the Balikatan drew to a close with Filipino and American soldiers coming together and learning from each other”.

General Emmanuel Bautista, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff, said he was hoping that the relationship between the Philippines and the United States would inspire other countries to work “shoulder to shoulder.”

“May we seek more ways to strengthen this alliance and ensure that it remains relevant, responsive, and modernized,” Bautista said at Tejeros Hall in Camp Aguinaldo Friday. “Maybe (the alliance would) inspire other nations to work shoulder to shoulder in global bayanihan.”

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin did not attend the ceremonies but was represented by his undersecretary Honorio Azcueta.

“I am confident that you have enjoyed training together under the spirit of mutual friendship, camaraderie, and cooperation,” Azcueta quoted Gazmin. “I have no doubt that true to the meaning of Balikatan, we now bear with you the rare professional experience of training together under the spirit of mutual friendship.”

From the American standpoint, Bryan Goldbeck, US Deputy Chief of Mission, praised the “warriors” for their service to their nations.

“You are all warriors, and I’m rightfully proud of your service to your nations,” Goldbeck said as troops from the Philippines, US, and the observing Australia, watched. “We all came to learn from each other.”

With 4,897 Filipino troops, 2,500 Americans, and 64 Australian observers, Balikatan had a mix of humanitarian and military activities.

From rebuilding schools to outreach missions to “Yolanda”-ravaged Tacloban, Filipino and American troops worked side by side in simulating war time scenarios.

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