VIGAN CITY — All is set for the conduct of humanitarian and civic assistance programs for the Balikatan 2010 in Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur, according to Col. Essel Soriano, commander of the Army’s 503rd Brigade based in Lagangilang, Abra.

Soriano said Wednesday that his troops would provide a dedicated protection group for the security of Filipino and American soldiers who will perform multiple medical, dental, veterinary and engineering assistance activities in Northern and Central Luzon.

The activities are part of the Balikatan 2010 Joint Military Exercises between the Philippines and the United States, which will be held this year in Northern and Central Luzon from February 15 to March 19.

“Actually, the contingent of the Pacific Angel from the US Air Force will arrive Thursday (February 11) in Laoag City to start the Medical and Dental Civic Action Projects (MEDCAP) there alone,” Soriano said Wednesday.

Soriano said the other beneficiary areas of the humanitarian and civic assistance programs for Balikatan 2010 are Barangays Teppeng, Cadanglaan, Cabarambanan, Barabac, Teppeng, Quimallogon and Marnay, all in Sinait, Ilocos Sur; and Barangays Pias, Baluarte and San Jose, all in Salcedo, Ilocos Sur.

“The humanitarian and civic assistance program for Balikatan 2010 is divided into two activities: The first is the Engineering Civic Action Program (ENCAP) and the Medical and Dental Civic Action Projects,” he said.

“These two activities will be performed by the US Armed Forces with the counterpart from our AFP,” he added.

The ENCAP projects will include the construction of three two-room schools in Barangays Teppeng, Cadanglaan, and Marnay in Sinait; two-room school and a flood control facility in Barangay Pias; and a health center in Barangay Baluarte in the municipality of Salcedo.