Filipino and American military units tapped for this year’s “Balikatan” military exercises conducted a groundbreaking ceremony for a multipurpose building in Carmen, Davao del Norte, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Tuesday.

The construction of the building in Barangay Tibulao, part of the United States-AFP Engineering Civic Action Program, will be used for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief purposes, the AFP said.

The ceremony was held Monday in coordination with the 534th Engineer Construction Battalion, 27th Infantry Battalion, 1003rd Infantry Brigade, municipal government, Barangay Tibulao and 10th Civil-Military Operations Battalion, along with participating US troops.

This year’s Balikatan will start April 20 and end late May.

“(This project) humanitarian assistance and disaster response and promotes community development. It reflects the continued cooperation between two allied forces in strengthening disaster preparedness and community resilience,” the AFP said.

The AFP said it also reflects its commitment to fostering cooperation, enhancing capabilities and delivering meaningful support to communities. (PNA)