The 26th RP-US Balikatan 2010 military exercises ended Friday with a promise of hope for future generations, especially those in some parts of Northern Luzon, aside from opportunity given to the armed forces of both countries to learn from each other and further strengthen their common bonds.

At the closing ceremony for the Balikatan 2010 held at Camp Aguinaldo, US Armed Forces’ Brigadier General William Faulkner, US Balikatan exercise director, expressed pride and gratitude for the commitment of both Philippine and American soldiers who took part in this year’s bilateral military exercises.

“I’m proud of the commitment of each and every service member from our respective armed services, I’m also proud of the commitment of their armed forces who have demonstrated during the execution of the exercise, I’m also grateful to the government of Republic of the Philippines for their invitation for us to participate, and also to the Armed Forces of the Philippines for their knowledge, their teamwork and their professionalism throughout,” said Faulkner.

“During this year’s Balikatan, we delivered hope to future generations in Ilocos Sur by completing classroom projects… and we also refurbished classrooms,” Faulkner said.

He also credited service members working alongside barangay citizens for helping complete a critical flood retention wall in certain areas in the province.

“Our combined medical capability has delivered medical assistance to thousands of our friends in need,” Faulkner went on to say as he expressed gratitude for an outpouring support from the civilian sector.