Floridablanca, Pampanga – The Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), in collaboration with the United States Forces, concluded the “Ligang Bayanihan” program on March 21, 2026, with a friendly basketball game held in Sitio Camachile, Brgy. Nabuclod, Floridablanca, Pampanga. The event, organized by the 1st Civil Relations Group (1CRG) under the Civil Military Operations Command (CMOC), served as the culminating activity of a series of basketball tournaments conducted in Cagayan and Zambales.

The “Ligang Bayanihan,” a sports-based security engagement, aims to reinforce the alliance between the Philippines and the United States by promoting common ideals and cooperative security initiatives. The event also featured an Information Education Campaign about the West Philippine Sea.

Friendly Basketball Game Caps Off “Ligang Bayanihan” Series

The culminating event in Floridablanca featured a friendly basketball game with four teams comprised of personnel from the Philippine uniformed services, US Forces, and local residents of Pampanga. According to the 1CRG CMOC AFP, the teams were named after PH-US military drills, highlighting the theme of friendship, teamwork, and shared purpose. The basketball game served as a tangible demonstration of the partnership between the two nations.

The 1CRG CMOC AFP reported that the “Ligang Bayanihan” series, preceding the event in Pampanga, included basketball tournaments in Sta. Ana, Cagayan, and Cabangan, Zambales. These activities also involved participation from local communities and aimed to foster camaraderie and understanding.

Aeta Community Showcase Cultural Heritage Through Dance

A highlight of the event was a dance performance by the Aeta community of Floridablanca. According to the 1CRG CMOC AFP, the performance conveyed a story through movement and music, enriching the event with cultural significance. The inclusion of the Aeta community emphasized the program’s commitment to engaging with and supporting local indigenous groups.

Floridablanca Mayor Highlights Government’s Commitment to Peace

Floridablanca Municipal Mayor Micheal L. Galang officiated the symbolic jump-ball, officially starting the basketball game. In his address, Mayor Galang emphasized the government’s dedication to maintaining peace, preventing violence, and ensuring public safety. He urged support for initiatives like “Ligang Bayanihan” from both individuals in service and the broader Filipino community, according to the 1CRG CMOC AFP report.

West Philippine Sea Awareness Campaign Conducted

The “Ligang Bayanihan” event included an Information Education Campaign about the West Philippine Sea (WPS), using an Audio-Visual Presentation to educate attendees about maritime rights and sovereignty. The 1CRG CMOC AFP said that this component was designed to promote awareness and understanding of the Philippines’ position in the ongoing WPS dispute.

Balikatan Exercise Objectives Presented to Community

Colonel Enrique G Rafael PA, Commander of 1CRG, CMOC AFP, presented the objectives of the annual bilateral exercise Balikatan. According to the Army, the presentation aimed to provide the community with a better understanding of the exercise, which is a key component of the US-Philippine security alliance. This aims to increase transparency of military activities.

Distribution of Goods and Awarding of Prizes

Participants received merchandise such as bags and T-shirts, provided by the US Forces, according to the 1CRG CMOC AFP. The winning team of the friendly basketball game was awarded a trophy by guests and officials from the Philippine and US Armed Forces. This served as a concluding highlight of the event.

“Ligang Bayanihan” Underscores US-Philippine Alliance

The AFP and US Forces emphasized the importance of activities that demonstrate the spirit of “Balikatan,” standing shoulder to shoulder not only during times of conflict but also in promoting ideals of freedom, democracy, and innovation. The 1CRG CMOC AFP emphasized that the success of the “Ligang Bayanihan” series underscores the long-standing alliance between the US and the Philippines in pursuit of peace and progress.

Continued Collaboration and Future Engagements

The success of “Ligang Bayanihan” suggests further collaboration between the US and Philippine forces on similar community engagement programs. These initiatives offer a way to strengthen ties, promote mutual understanding, and address local needs, complementing traditional military exercises. Further such exercises are expected to take place during the year in other regions of the Philippines.

The AFP and US Forces are expected to evaluate the outcomes of the “Ligang Bayanihan” series to refine future community engagement strategies. This includes assessing the impact of the West Philippine Sea awareness campaign and identifying opportunities for further collaboration with local communities and stakeholders.

Photo credit: Photo from 1CRG CMOC AFP