Balikatan Exercises: Is it Beneficial or Unfavorable for our Nation?

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The Philippines has long been seeking additional support in its disputes with China over areas such as Spratly Islands and Scarborough Shoal. Thus, this made our government to decide to agreed with the United States with regards to Enhance Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) / Balikatan Exercises. This agreement between the Philippines and the United States envision and aim to strengthen the Armed Forces of the Philippines for external defense and for the humanitarian assistance and disaster response. This earned different reactions among the netizens and the masses. Some people accords that this will not guarantee any protection and it will only be beneficial to US troops. Otherwise, some Filipinos claims that it would help our defense against countries which beholds and step-down our rights and dignity as a democratic country.
Despite of these negative reactions, we as a Customs Administration students strongly believes that the Balikatan Exercises between the Philippines and the Unites States will give and provide job opportunities to many Filipinos in construction activities that they will done in our nation specially the procurement of local goods and supplies by US military personnel. This will also helps our country to nurture and strengthen our capabilities for any external and territorial defense when the situation demanded. We already know that we are currently experiencing from territorial disputes from other foreign countries specifically with China and the Balikatan Exercises will help to develop our defense securities against them.
Just like what Dr. Jose Rizal mentioned, “It is just fair if the Spaniards will govern our nation as long as it can help to improve and enhance our capabilities to be a progressive ...

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... in a friendly means. It’s an insult to the Americans if we show and hatred animosity and anger against them though it is a clear fact that they voluntarily help us.
As a concern Filipino citizen, our aim is not to develop a negative instincts about the Balikatan Exercises through rallying which only causes conflict, pain and suffering. If we are a real Filipino, our concern must be about how we are going to develop a stronger relationship with co-alliance countries who are always ready to help us in times of our need. Just imagine who will help us anymore if we also develop a conflict with United States? As long as the Balikatan Exercises with United States will not cause to weaken and step-down our rights as a democratic country, it is a good opportunity for the Philippines to develop and fade its way towards a progressive and economical country.

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