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Shiloh Sailors Lend Helping Hand in the Philippines

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080211-15
Release Date: 2/11/2008 2:20:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chantel M. Clayton, Fleet Public Affairs Center Det., Japan

TAGUIG, Philippines (NNS) -- Sailors aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh (CG 67) participated in a community relations project in Taguig, Feb. 2-5 during the ship's visit to the nearby city of Manila.

Sailors lent helping hands and strong backs in the Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation home building project, further strengthening ties between the U.S. and the Philippines.

According to their Web site, Gawad Kalinga, translated into "to give care," is an alternative solution to poverty in the Philippines and around the world.

Gawad Kalinga is known for its multicolored houses and buildings, basing it on the idea that bright colors uplift the neighborhood's atmosphere, which may foster improvement in their lives. The organization's motto is: "Bagong Bahay, Bagong Buhay, and Bagong Bayan," or "New House, New Life, and New Nation."

According to Lt. Margaret Siemer, a Navy chaplain embarked in Shiloh, 139 Sailors had the opportunity to help in concrete pouring, concrete hollow block laying, rebar forming and foundation excavation.

Siemer highly recommends this project to other Sailors and volunteers if the opportunity ever presents itself.

"We had maximum participation for this [community relations project]," said Siemer. "There was very little need for us to bring tools; however we did donate eight shovels and several pairs of work gloves to the project."

Sailors enjoyed their time at the project site while giving back to the local community.

"It was a great experience," said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Walterene Logan. "There was a lot of hard work involved and we felt a lot of love from the people there. They really appreciated having us there and helping them out. I would definitely do something like this again."

Shiloh, forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, is underway on a scheduled deployment.

For more news from Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/c7f/.