PHL armed forces inaugurate U.S.-funded peacekeeping facility

MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) inaugurated a U.S.-funded peacekeeping operations training facility in Tarlac on December 12.

This facility was funded via the Global Peace Operations Initiative, a U.S. State Department-funded security assistance program focused on strengthening the international capacity and capabilities of partner nations to execute United Nations (UN) and regional peace operations.

During the inauguration, the AFP officially opened the Peacekeeping Operations Center and a dining facility. The center will provide training and administrative services to AFP personnel participating in peacekeeping operations, in support of the Philippines’ international commitments.

A barracks is also being built under the same initiative and is scheduled for completion in late 2020.

The inauguration, which was attended by Major General Andres C. Centino, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Armed Forces of the Philippines, included the ceremonial turning over of keys and the planting of a tree.

Since its signing of the UN charter in 1945, the Philippines has participated in a variety of peacekeeping operations around the world.

The United States, as a longstanding friend, partner, and ally of the Philippines, continues to provide support to the AFP through funding projects, equipment transfers, and bilateral exercises.