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US strengthens ties brick by brick

US Marine Corps News

10/15/2010
By Cpl. Brandon L. Saunders, Marine Corps Bases Japan

PAMPANGA, Republic of the Philippines -- Marines and sailors assigned to 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade and airmen from the Philippine Air Force have been working together for the past few weeks improving quality of life in the Philippines.

Breaking ground Sept. 19, Marines and airmen began building a two-room classroom at the Monticayo Primary School in the Barangay of Sito Monticayo Calumpang, Mabalacat municipality, Pampanga province. The engineers are scheduled to finish construction later this month.

The Philippine Navy Seabees and U.S. Marines are also constructing a classroom at Anastacio N.F. Dinglas Elementary School, Barangay San Jose, Ternate, Cavite Province, Republic of the Philippines.

The Republic of the Philippines and U.S. Armed Forces have conducted medical and construction projects like this for the past 27 years. The purpose of these projects is to share techniques and ideas while enhancing social development.

"Every year that Phiblex has occurred, we have participated with our AFP counterparts in a variety of [Civil Military Operation] projects. This includes but has not been limited to the construction of health clinics and schools, medical and dental missions and community outreach projects," said Maj. Horace J.C. Bly, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, civil affairs officer.

With everyone contributing to the construction efforts, the project is moving ahead of schedule, said Sgt. Charles E. Gregory, a combat engineer with Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 3rd MEB. Construction of the two-room classroom at Monticayo Primary School is scheduled to be completed Oct. 19 with the dedication ceremony the following day.

The humanitarian civic action project includes a complete overhaul of the school's current electrical and plumbing systems. Currently, the students are forced to use alternative facilities in the barangay as restrooms. During classroom hours, the windows and doors must be left open in order for the students to receive enough light to see.

"This will give the children a better learning environment," said Cpl. Wesley O. Rippetoe, a water support technician, MWSS-172. "They will have better electricity, plumbing and other necessary amenities."

Teachers of the Monticayo Primary School still teach in the older classrooms, which are right next to the construction of the new school.

"I'm very happy. I'm glad they are here to build this classroom. It's a big help to us," said Ma'Theresa T. Salunga, a first grade teacher.

Salunga's enthusiasm for the humanitarian civil action is also shared by her colleagues.

"We are proud of having the Marines here," said Maylon D. Manalato, a fourth and fifth grade teacher. "This project is a big help because these children are a blessing."