In the essence of camaraderie and reaffirmation of alliances, military exercises between the Philippines and the United States have begun once again through the annual Balikatan (shoulder-to-shoulder) exercises. The 12-day event, which formally opened last April 16, is in pursuant to the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty which strengthens the pact between the Philippines and the US to support each other in times of war.
One of the Balikatan’s main goals is to engage both the AFP and the USAF civil-military in community outreach projects particularly to far-flung communities that need assistance.
Majority of the beneficiaries of this project are the 22,000 residents of Palawan. Through the Balikatan, five school buildings with three classrooms each will be built by the soldiers in Puerto Princesa City. There will also be free medical, dental, and veterinary services provided for the residents in selected barangays of Puerto Princesa City.
More than 2,000 Filipino troops, 4,000 American soldiers, some 20 participants from Southeast Asia, and another 15 from partner countries are expected to participate in the Balikatan exercises which are facilitated by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the US Moreover, like in the previous years, the military exercises also include combat training in different parts of the Philippines.
Maj. Emmanuel Garcia, Philippine military spokesman for Balikatan, said that some of the US and Philippine stage drills will be held near the West Philippine Sea where the disputed Spratly group of Islands is located. America’s apparent effort of re-establishing its presence in most parts of Asia has caused some protests especially from China, one of the aggressive claimants of the Spratlys.
Several Filipino groups also have aired their concerns about the government’s continued alliance with the American forces. The group Bayan has warned the local government that the dominant presence of the US in the country will only further complicate the tension between the Philippines and China.
Rep. Carol Jayne Lopez of You Against Corruption and Poverty (YACAP) stated that the military exercises should not be perceived as a way to show-off force or provoke the Chinese but a means to strengthen the Philippine army’s capability.
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte mentioned an interview over radio station dzRB last April 15, that the Balikatan are not meant to provoke China and that the exercises have been scheduled prior to the recent standoff in the Scarborough Shoal, where the Philippine Navy tried to halt China fishing vessels from accumulating corals.
It is better to live in the moment than to worry about the uncertain future.
Regardless of different opinions and perceptions about the Balikatan, the important thing to look at now is how the aid of foreign forces are getting things done and helping a larger scale of people.
The local government, however, should learn to gradually stand on its own. Only then will it be finally able to say that the Philippines is truly an independent nation. It is better to be the one who is helping than be the one who is always seeking help.
(www.asianjournal.com)
(NYNJ April 20-26, 2012 Sec A pg. 6)
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