A new school library will soon rise in northern Luzon as part of joint humanitarian efforts under the annual Philippines–United States military exercises.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines, the United States Indo-Pacific Command, and the Sta. Ana local government led the March 30 groundbreaking at San Vicente Elementary School in Barangay San Vicente, Cagayan.
The project forms part of the Engineering Civic Action Program under Exercise Balikatan 2026, facilitated by the Civil-Military Operations Joint Task Group-1, bringing together military personnel, local officials, and school representatives.
The AFP said the facility aims to enhance educational infrastructure and provide students with a dedicated learning space and modern resources to promote literacy and academic excellence.
Earlier, Philippine and US forces also broke ground for a two-classroom building at New Ibajay Elementary School in El Nido, Palawan.
Balikatan exercises include humanitarian projects such as infrastructure development, medical missions, and community engagements.
