TARLAC PROVINCE, Republic of the Philippines -- Several hundred townspeople gathered to watch as a convoy of vehicles made its way down a dirt road to the San Vicente School where Marines and sailors from Marine Aircraft Group 36, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, and their counterparts from the Philippine Air Force conducted the first in a series of medical and dental civic action projects here Oct. 13.

The projects are part of Amphibious Landing Exercise 2011, a bilateral training exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. Marines and sailors from 3rd MEB. The exercise is designed to improve interoperability, increase readiness and to foster professional relationships between the two countries.

Throughout the day, the group of military members provided a wide-variety of medical services during the Medical Civic Action Program and Dental Civic Action Program, according to Navy Lt. Layra Avalos, medical civil military operations coordinator, 3rd MEB.

"The medical team provided basic medical care, antibiotics and topical medications," she said, adding the dental teams provided basic dental assessments and extractions, and the optometrist conducted eye exams.

"It is nice that we have these types of medical missions during the exercise," said Dr. Evangelina Legaspi, Bamban Municipal health director.

Legaspi added that most of the people from this area live more than six miles from any medical facilities, so having medical and dental care available so close makes things much more feasible for the local community.

"Because of the local economic hardships here, most people rely on herbal medicines grown in their backyards, rather than traveling great distances to the nearest hospital," said Legaspi.

According to Maj. Eric J. Mattson, a civil affairs officer for 3rd MEB, this is exactly the reason why the two militaries continue to conduct these types of missions.

"Because this is such a remote area, a lot of the local people don't have easy access to medical treatment or medicines," he said.

One patient said her treatment here would have normally cost her three months rent, said Petty Officer 2nd Class Glenn K. Paoa, administrative and personnel chief augmented to MAG-36.

Danilo Adrias, baranguy captain, Baranguy of San Vicente, said the event was a huge success for everyone, and he hopes to continue strengthening an already strong relationship between the two countries.