CAMP AQUINO, Tarlac City – The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the United States Armed Forces' 38th Balikatan Exercises 2023 have taken a significant step towards improving the lives of the residents of Barangay San Joaquin, Sarrat, Ilocos Norte. A newly constructed health care center opened its doors after its construction started on March 28, and is now providing much-needed medical assistance to the community. Joint Task Unit, 548th Engineer Construction Battalion, 51st Engineering Brigade of the Philippine Army, and the 523rd Engineer Support Company, 130th Engineer Brigade, of the United States Army Pacific worked together as part of the Humanitarian Civil Assistance (HCA) and Engineering Civic Action Program (ENCAP) to construct the facility. The dedication ceremony for the community health center was held on Friday, April 28, and was personally attended by Commodore Karl A. Decapia, the deputy commander of the Northern Luzon Command. During the event, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held, the building marker was unveiled, and the facility was blessed. The formal turnover of the facility to Barangay San Joaquin  marked a significant moment for the community, as the health care center will allow residents to receive medical attention without having to travel to other barangays. For the people of Barangay San Joaquin, the health care center represents hope, compassion, and a brighter future. Barangay Chairman Michael A. Lardizabal expressed the community's immense gratitude for the initiative and efforts of the US-PH militaries. "Barangay San Joaquin is indeed blessed today to be a recipient of the Balikatan 38-23 project that is putting a community health care center that would cater to the medical needs of our constituents,” said Lardizabal. “After a month, this project has come to a reality and today we dedicate this project to the people of Sarrat. The project is really a great help to us,” added Lardizabal. In his message, Decapia highlighted that this undertaking is enabled by the Balikatan Exercises. “The Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board form the annual framework directs and enables defense and security cooperation between the US and Philippine militaries. This is anchored on the Mutual Defense Treaty between these two allies who share the same values and commitment to peace and security. The Balikatan Exercise that we have now is an enabling arm of this treaty,” said Decapia. “You are the reason why this center was built, and we believe that it will serve its purpose in providing you with quality healthcare services with utmost compassion and care. The benefits of this health facility will be felt by our community for years to come, which serves as a reminder of the importance of international partnerships and collaborations towards achieving sustainable development goals,” added Decapia. This is not the first time that Balikatan forces have brought healthcare to a community in need. Another barangay health center in an ENCAP site in Barangay Suklayin, Baler, Aurora, was formally turned over to the local government on April 26. “The Balikatan forces are committed to breaking the barriers and building bridges, providing much-needed assistance to the communities they serve. The newly built health care center is a testament to its unwavering dedication, hard work, and service to the people,” said Decapia.