Basilan and Jolo. They include not only combined military training but also civil-military operations and humanitarian projects. The International Military Education and Training (IMET) program is the largest in the Pacific and the third-largest in the world, and a Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA) was signed in November 2002. Balikatan 2022 The 2022 Balikatan exercise (Bailkatan 22) brought together over 5,100 US military personnel and 3,800 Filipino soldiers for training in maritime security, amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban operations, aviation operations, counterterrorism, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief in various parts of Luzon from March 28 to April 8 of the said year. The exercise also includes a command post exercise that tests the AFP and U.S. forces’ ability to plan, command, and communicate with each other in a simulated environment. This training also bolster the collective security and defensive capabilities of the alliance. Renovation of elementary schools, community health initiatives, and the exchange of advanced emergency rescue and lifesaving techniques were among the collaborative efforts. "Balikatan" is a Tagalog term that means "shoulder-to-shoulder" or "sharing the load together," which characterizes the spirit of the exercise and symbolizes the Philippines-US friendship. "Balikatan 22 coincides with the 75th anniversary of US-Philippine security cooperation and a shared commitment to promoting peace," Maj. Gen. Bargeron stated. “Our alliance remains a key source of strength and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.” Exercises like Balikatan help to strengthen international alliances and the participating militaries' abilities to respond quickly to emergencies in the Indo-Pacific. See also Philippines geostrategy Operation Enduring Freedom – Philippines Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement Operation Balikatan (2003) Regional geostrategy Belt and Road Initiative China containment policy China-United States relations Quadrilateral Security Dialogue Malabar (naval exercise) List of disputed territories of China String of Pearls (Indian Ocean) Territorial disputes in the South China Sea References External links Official Facebook page Military exercises involving the United States Military alliances involving the Philippines Military alliances involving the United States United States military in the Philippines Philippines–United States relations 21st-century military alliances