Promoting Oral Hygiene and Healthcare Access: U.S. Navy Petty Officer Teaches Children in Philippines During Exercise Balikatan 24

During Exercise Balikatan 24, which took place from April 17 to 19, 2024 in the Philippines, U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Gabriel Ramos demonstrated oral hygiene to Ilocos Norte children at Davila Elementary School in Pasuquin. The event was part of a three-day program where Philippine and U.S. service members provided medical and dental evaluations to Ilocos Norte residents, with the goal of increasing healthcare access and awareness.

Exercise Balikatan 24 is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. military that aims to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. The collaboration between the two military forces aims to enhance their readiness and ability to work together effectively in various situations, including health and wellness initiatives like the community health engagement at Davila Elementary School.

The community health engagement at Davila Elementary School showcased the commitment of both the Philippine and U.S. service members to support the local population in Ilocos Norte. By providing medical and dental care to the residents, they were able to promote better healthcare practices and increase awareness about the importance of oral hygiene. This event not only benefited the children of Ilocos Norte but also helped to strengthen the bonds between the two nations through shared experiences and cooperation in promoting overall health and well-being.

In addition to providing medical care, U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Gabriel Ramos also took time out during Exercise Balikatan 24 to teach Ilocos Norte children about proper oral hygiene techniques such as brushing twice a day, flossing once a week, and visiting their dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.

Overall, Exercise Balikatan 24 provided an excellent opportunity for both Filipino and American troops to demonstrate their commitment towards promoting healthcare accessibility for local populations while also strengthening bilateral relations between two nations with a long history of cooperation.

In conclusion, during Exercise Balikatan 24 in April 2024, U.S Navy Petty Officer Gabriel Ramos taught oral hygiene techniques to Ilocos Norte children at Davila Elementary School as part of a three-day program aimed at increasing healthcare accessibility for local populations while strengthening bilateral relations between two nations with a long history of cooperation.