QUEZON CITY, (PIA)--The Philippines and the United States formally opened the largest Exercise Balikatan on Tuesday, April 11, at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) General Headquarters.

With over 17,500 combined troops from the AFP and the U.S. military, the 38th iteration of the annual bilateral exercise will highlight four (4) major events: Command Post Exercise, Cyber Defense Exercise, Field Training Exercise, and Humanitarian Civic Assistance.

Present in the Opening Ceremony were the U.S. Chargé d’affaires Heather Variava, representing U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Marykay Loss Carlson; General Andres C Centino, Chief of Staff, AFP (CSAFP); Major General Eric Austin, USMC, U.S. Exercise Director Representative; and Major General Marvin N Licudine PA, Philippine Exercise Director.

“For the Armed Forces of the Philippines, in particular, this year’s Balikatan Exercise is most timely, as we fast-track the enhancement of our capabilities for maritime security and domain awareness, as well as our employment concept of newly acquired equipment and weapon systems under our modernization program and application of newly developed doctrines – with the end-in-view of projecting a credible defense posture,” General Centino said.

On the 38th iteration of the Balikatan, the participating forces will enhance their joint and combined capabilities in maritime security, amphibious operations, live-fire exercise, urban operations, aviation operations, counter-terrorism, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

“This year’s Balikatan will be the biggest ever, an indication of the growth of our alliance and how it continues to evolve to meet our shared goals,” Variava said.

Exercise Balikatan signifies a more robust security relationship between the longtime allies. At the same time, partner nation Australia will also participate in some events, and officials from Japan are expected to observe some. Furthermore, different assets and weapon systems will be utilized for various activities.

“Balikatan is an important opportunity to train shoulder-to-shoulder and build trust and confidence that enable our forces to respond to crises and contingencies as a team,” Major General Austin said.

Meanwhile, Major General Licudine emphasized the importance of the Balikatan to both forces. “It builds interoperability, enhances capabilities, and demonstrates mutual defense of the Philippine sovereign territory,” the Philippine Exercise Director said.

Exercise Balikatan, to this day, remains one of the best training opportunities to improve both countries’ military arms. In this historic event, the CSAFP urged the participants to embody professionalism, excellence, and the spirit of camaraderie.(paoafp/pia-ncr)

“I am confident that both our Armed Forces shall reap invaluable benefits from this Balikatan Exercise as we continue to pursue our shared goals of regional peace, security, and stability,” the CSAFP added. (paoafp/pia-ncr)