Cebu: Philippine Army (PA) engineers along with their American counterparts have trained together as part of efforts to enhance their capabilities in airfield damage repair (ADR) and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD). In a statement Tuesday, PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said these training activities are part of the ongoing "Balikatan" exercises and involved troops from the Army's 53rd Engineer Brigade along with US military personnel.
According to Philippines News Agency, the ADR and EOD training activities began in Cebu on April 21, marking the formal start of the "Balikatan" exercises. The ADR expert exchange included lectures on various topics such as ADR familiarization, crater repair, formworks installation, and crushed stone restoration. These sessions were followed by simulation exercises held in front of the Visayas Command Grandstand.
Further practical exercises were conducted at Camp Cadre, Poblacion Medellin, Cebu, where participants applied their newly acquired knowledge in a realistic field setting. The annual military drills between Filipino and American units are set to conclude on May 9.
Col. Dema-ala emphasized the importance of ADR and EOD skills, stating they are crucial for ensuring mission success by maintaining operational continuity through the rapid restoration of damaged runways and the removal of explosive hazards. Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Maynard Camarao, commander of the 53rd Engineer Brigade, described the training as a 'strategic investment in readiness, resilience, and friendship', highlighting the enduring value of Philippine-US cooperation in enhancing regional security and disaster response efforts.
Exercise "Balikatan", meaning "shoulder-to-shoulder" in Filipino, is one of the longest-standing bilateral military exercises between the Philippines and the United States. These drills aim to strengthen the alliance between the two nations while enhancing combined and joint force capabilities, demonstrating a shared commitment to regional stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.
