CAPAS, TARLAC, Philippines -- Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. Marines and sailors visited Maruglo Elementary School in Capas, Tarlac, Republic of the Philippines during a community relations event, April 12.

The service members are currently participating in Balikatan 2013, an annual bilateral exercise in its 29th iteration, which provides a venue for AFP and U.S. military forces to develop and continue to enhance interoperability across a wide range of military capabilities.

“It took the combined efforts of the U.S. and Philippine militaries to make this event happen,” said Lt. Cmdr. Jeffrey Terry, the command chaplain for 12 Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. “The main goal was just to provide the children with a fun-filled day.”

The Marines and Sailors hosted many events to entertain the children including a push-up competition, dance time, sprint relays and other team sports.

“We played football and basketball with the children,” said AFP Marine Sgt. Redentor Pairat Jr., a team leader with 10th Battalion, Philippine Marine Corps, AFP. “They seemed really happy, as did the Marines.”

The Marines and Sailors also brought donations from Project Hand-Clasp, according to Terry.

“We were able to provide sports supplies, hygiene supplies and textbooks to the students of the school,” said Terry. “The religious program specialists, corpsmen and Marines also collected money to provide the children and members of the community with toothbrushes and toothpaste.”

The corpsmen also gave a demonstration on how to properly brush your teeth, according to AFP Marine Sgt. Jefferson R. Acosta, a public affairs representative for the Philippine Marine Corps, AFP.

“Good dental hygiene is important,” said Acosta. “Hygiene supplies are not always made available to the children, so opportunities like this are special.”

“The event was an overwhelming success,” said U.S. Marine Sgt. Daniel P. Greer, a food service specialist with 12 Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III MEF.

“Working with the Philippine Marines has been a really enjoyable experience,” said Greer. “We were able to provide the community with supplies they needed and also have fun in the process.”