U.S. Embassy Photo Release
March 19, 2007
U.S. Sailors Honored to Help Elementary School in Legazpi
American Sailors and Marines arrived in Legazpi City, Albay Province onboard the USS Comstock on March 12 to partner with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for several days of humanitarian projects benefiting victims of natural disasters in the area.
One of the main projects the U.S.-Philippine team conquered during the week was the reconstruction of Rawis Elementary School, which was severely damaged during Typhoons Reming and Milenyo in late 2006. The two militaries repaired the roof, which had blown off; installed new ceilings; added walls, windows, and doors; painted; and cleared debris from the school grounds so children could play safely. Pictured above, U.S. and Philippine Sailors clear debris from the school.
U.S. Navy Boatswain Mate Second Class Jeff Maniscan and U.S. Navy Gunners Mate Third Class Alvin Figuracion participated in the rebuilding project. But it wasn’t all work, they say. They also had the chance to meet and talk to the students, with whom they shared cookies and candies, and demonstrated the peace sign commonly expressed by forming a “V” with the two first fingers.
"The peace sign is a symbol of strength, faith, hope, and staying strong," said BM2 Maniscan, pictured above making friends with students at the school. He explained how he felt that his participation in the rebuilding of Rawis Elementary School has given the students a great deal of faith. "The U.S. Navy being over here gives them hope that they can overcome a major tragedy, which motivates me to work harder than ever. The kids help motivate me even more to work. It feels good to participate in an act of humanitarianism."
Rawis Elementary School was built by U.S. and Philippine forces during the annual Balikatan bilateral military exercises in 1973, and was re-dedicated by U.S. Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney in a March 16 ceremony after the team of U.S. and Philippine Marines and Sailors completed repairs.
The visit of the USS Comstock is part of Operation Goodwill, created in 2003 by U.S. Marines, service members, and their families in Okinawa to show appreciation to the children and families of the Philippines for welcoming them during annual bilateral exercises. The U.S. Marines work each year with their families to gather donations and then deliver toys and supplies to Filipino children over the holiday season.
The San Diego-based ship carried Marines and Navy “Seabees” from the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Filipino-American sailors make up 11% of the USS Comstock’s crew. This opportunity to return home to provide aid to the people of the Philippines is a morale builder for the crew, which is currently on an extended Western Pacific Deployment.
GM3 Figuracion, who is a Filipino-American born and raised in the United States, said that he feels humbled by the experience of helping the students at Rawis Elementary School. “I never experienced such a tragedy growing up as kid, and take for granted all the things these people had taken from them. I am very thankful and feel honored for this opportunity to participate."
"It gives me great satisfaction knowing I have helped out,” said BM2 Maniscan.
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