TERNATE, Philippines -- Multinational forces began humanitarian and civic assistance projects as part of exercise KAMANDAG 2 on Monday. Philippine, Japanese, and U.S. forces attended a groundbreaking ceremony for the renovation of a high school and two daycare centers in Ternate.

Engineering and construction projects will take place at three different sites in Ternate to improve local infrastructure and strengthen ties with Philippine communities.

The U.S. and Philippines will partner for a variety of community relations events during KAMANDAG 2. While in Ternate, U.S. and Philippine military medical teams will also teach hundreds of Ternate residents about lifesaving skills, disease prevention, and dental hygiene.

KAMANDAG 2 is an exercise between the Republic of the Philippines and the United States which also features participation from Japan. KAMANDAG 2, scheduled for October 1-10, 2018, is an acronym for the Filipino phrase “Kaagapay Ng Mga Mandirigma Ng Dagat,” which translates to “Cooperation of Warriors of the Sea,” highlighting the partnership between the U.S. and Philippine militaries.

The humanitarian and civic assistance projects precede the official start of exercise KAMANDAG 2, and are considered a preparatory part of the exercise.

Exercises like KAMANDAG 2 strengthen international partnerships and the participating militaries’ abilities to rapidly respond to crises throughout the Indo-Pacific region. The goal of KAMANDAG 2 is to increase counterterrorism and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities through military exchanges.