THE US-Philippine military exercise Balikatan 2022 was formally opened today at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
The formal program for the popular joint military exercise between US and Philippine troops was held at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo led by AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Andres Centino and US Embassy Charge d’ affaires Heather Variava.
Centino said in his message that this year’s Balikatan is special because of the many activities that have been lined up.
This event is also the perfect opportunity to learn and try out the new equipment acquired by the Philippine military.
AFP Balikatan 22 Exercise Director Maj. Gen. Charlton Sean Gaerlan, on the other hand, said that the exercise is a testament to the stability and strength of US-Philippine relations.
According to Gaerlan, the Balikatan exercise is important to national security because it strengthens the capability and readiness of the Filipino soldier in various operations.
Among the activities lined up this year are the Amphibious operations exercise in Claveria, Cagayan and the Combined Arms live fire exercise at the Col. Ernesto Rabina Air Base in Tarlac.
The yearly military exercise will be joined by 3,800 AFP personnel and 5,100 members of the US military.
Aside from combat exercises, the Filipino and American soldiers will also jointly engage in humanitarian and civic assistance projects and conduct community health activities.
It was learned that Balikatan 2022, now on its 37th edition, is the biggest joint military exercise so far between the two nations.
The military exercises will last until April 8, 2022.