Pacific Angel engineering projects underway in Laoag

  • Published
  • By Capt. Genieve David
  • 13th Air Force Public Affairs
LAOAG, Philippines (AFNS) --  More than 40 Air Force and Armed Forces of the Philippines engineers are conducting operations at the Caaoacan and Apaya Elementary schools here Feb. 14, as part of Operation Pacific Angel 10-1 in Laoag, Philippines.

The civil engineers from the United States expressed how excited they were to be in the Philippines for Operation Pacific Angel, a program aimed at improving military civic cooperation between the United States and countries throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

"So far it has been an awesome experience doing something of this magnitude for the community," said Airman 1st Class Edward Mayo, a civil engineer from the 254th Red Horse at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. "I feel very thankful and blessed for the things that I have in my life and I am proud to help the people of Laoag."

During the next eight days, the combined Pacific Angel engineering team will replace the roof of two buildings, install drop ceilings, replace several doors and refurbish damaged windows. Additionally, the engineers will install new electrical wiring and fixtures, replace the plumbing, provide general structural repairs to the walls and foundation and paint the two buildings.

The Caaoacan Elementary School was originally built in 1972 by President Ferdinand Marcos using education stimulus funds provided by the United States. This is the first time since 1972 that the building is being renovated by U.S. and the Armed Forces of the Philippines engineers.

Armed Forces of the Philippines 2nd Lt. Rex Barrameda, the officer in charge from the 356th Aviation Engineering Group, said this is his first project with the United States and he is excited about the opportunity.

"It's been my pleasure to be part of Pacific Angel," Lieutenant Barrameda said. "The Airmen are very approachable and I look forward to working with them this week."

U.S. officials are also providing medical care at the Santa Maria and San Mateo Elementary Schools in Ilocos Norte here. Additionally, the United States and the Philippines will conduct a medical subject matter expert exchange at the Laoag City General Hospital focusing on basic life support, infectious diseases, disaster readiness and public health.