LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) - A health care center in Barangay 1 San Joaquin, Sarrat, Ilocos Norte was officially inaugurated and turned-over in a ceremony led by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and United States Armed Forces on April 28.

As part of the ‘Balikatan’ Exercise 38-2023 in Ilocos Norte, the health center provides easier access to medical care for the residents around the area.

In an interview, Barangay Chairman Michael Lardizabal expressed his gratitude to the partnership of the Philippines and US forces that made the construction of the facility possible.

“Malaki ang pasasalamat namin sa mga miyembro ng Balikatan Exercise dahil sa kanilang tulong. Napakabuti nila. Tulung-tulong kaming lahat upang maisakatuparan ang pagpapatayo sa ating pasilidad,” he said.

Meanwhile, Commodore Karl Decapia of the Philippine Navy and Deputy Commander of Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) highlighted how the bond of the Philippines and the US is going through the ‘Balikatan’.

“It means the relationship is just going stronger and stronger and as an ally, we are committed to the full support of the Philippines in terms of defense of the government of the Philippines”, Decapia added.

It only took a month to finish the construction of the health facility.

Col. Scott Morrison, the Commanding Officer of United States Marine Corps, said in an interview that the ‘Balikatan’ is a success.

“It's a large example of the US forces and the Filipino soldier forces working together for almost 2 months,” he noted.

Aside from the health center, the PH and US forces also conducted series of public engagements with some universities, local government units, and religious groups in the province. (JCR/MJTAB/EML-Intern) PIA ILOCOS NORTE)