(photo credit: U.S. Marine Corps, photo taken by Lance Cpl. Roger-Junior Annoh)
As part of Balikatan 25 Exercise, Philippine and United States service members recently delivered a “Bundle of Joy” to Dagupan Elementary School in Lal-lo, Cagayan, providing essential school supplies and technology to support teachers and students in their mission of education.
The donation included laptops, televisions, printers, and a variety of classroom materials to enhance the learning environment for students.
The event commenced with a Catholic Mass, followed by student dance performances that brought the community together in celebration.
“Balikatan is our annual celebration of our shared values and vision,” Chaplain with the Combined Joint Civil-Military Operations Task Force U.S. Navy Lt. Steven Weathers said. “One of those values is the power of teachers and how the classroom shapes young lives. The second is the strength that comes from faith communities in bringing hope and comfort.”
Weathers noted the donation not only supported classroom learning but also reflected a shared commitment to service, faith, and community partnership. “Teachers, priests, and pastors are all people of service,” he said. “You enrich our communities, and we are here from the United States to honor the gift of your presence in inspiring young people.”
Partnership during Balikatan is not limited to military cooperation. It also shows up in shared acts of service – in classrooms, places of worship, and community spaces – where both nations come together to support and strengthen the next generation of learners.
Dagupan Elementary School serves 179 students and employs nine teachers. All will benefit from the donated supplies, enriching classroom learning and empowering both students and teachers alike.
Balikatan is a longstanding annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Military that strengthens the alliance, improves combined capabilities, and demonstrates a shared commitment to regional security and stability.
