Photos

The Balikatan Medical Interoperability Training Team introduce themselves to community members of San Joaquin, Ilocos Norte before starting a basic medical class as a part of Balikatan 23 in the Province of Ilocos Norte, Philippines, April 20, 2023. Medical personnel with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Balikatan Medical Interoperability Training Team taught basic medical classes to members of the community, such as women’s health, dental care, stress management and common diseases, to bring awareness and medical safety to the public. Balikatan, Tagalog for “shoulder-to-shoulder,” is an annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. military. The exercise provides unique opportunities for participating forces to increase interoperability and provide tangible benefits for the people of the Philippines. Humanitarian civic assistance projects support local communities in the Philippines and strengthen our partnership. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Sarah Pysher)