Pinoy youth join RP-US disaster readiness exercises

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines  — At least 111 Youth Leadership Summit participants benefited in the RP-US Balance Piston 10-03 which culminated yesterday in Batangas, a military official said.

The activity involved community development projects jointly funded by the country and the US government, 1stLt. Celeste Frank Sayson, Philippine Army spokesman, said.

The YLS participants came from different communities across Batangas province. The aim was to transform local youths especially those out of school to become productive members of the community.

The Balance Piston Exercise 10-03 is a joint project of the Philippines and the United States government. Sayson said both nations are working bilaterally to ensure readiness in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.

Sayson said the recent calamities that struck the country — onslaught of typhoons Ondoy, Ramil and Pepeng, retrieval diving operation in the capsized MV Princess of the Stars in Romblon, and rescue and retrieval operation in a landslide at Guinsaugon, Leyte during the previous years are testament on the importance of the exercise.

Aside from the exercise drills, the Filipino youth and American soldiers renovated a dilapidated home economics building in San Diego Elementary School in Barangay San Diego, Lian, Batangas as well as constructed electric generated potable water, and medical and dental mission.