Photo By Sgt. Courtney White | Residents of the Duyan Ni Maria Children’s Home and Philippine and U.S. service...... read more read more Photo By Sgt. Courtney White | Residents of the Duyan Ni Maria Children’s Home and Philippine and U.S. service members together at the conclusion of a community relation’s event April 15 in Angeles City, Philippines. Both Philippine and U.S. service members visited the home to play with the children as well as drop off donations of toys, sport equipment and school supplies. The home provides children with temporary or permanent shelter, home-care and formal and non-formal education. The service members are currently participating in Balikatan 13, an annual bilateral exercise, which provides a venue for Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military forces to develop and continue to enhance interoperability across a wide range of military capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Courtney G. White/Released) see less | View Image Page

ANGELES CITY, Philippines – Philippine and U.S. service members visited Duyan Ni Maria Children’s Home April 15 in Angeles City, Philippines, during Balikatan 13.



BK13 is an annual bilateral exercise which provides a venue for Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military forces to develop and continue to enhance interoperability across a wide range of military actions.



Duyan Ni Maria Children’s home provides children with temporary or permanent shelter, home-care and formal and non-formal education, according to Sister Alessandina Casas, the home’s founder.



“We are open to all orphan children, single mothers and the elderly,” said Casas. “We currently take care of 54 children, 11 infants and 11 house parents.”



Last February, the home celebrated 25 years since it was established in 1988, according to Casas.



“The people who work here are unpaid,” said Casas. “The help they provide comes from the heart.” Everyone needs something every now and again, said Casas.



“It is the gracious help from beneficiaries, like the service members, that allows us to do what we do,” said Casas. “We have yet to miss a meal in the 25 years we’ve been open. We always have just enough.”



The service members brought school supplies, sports equipment and toys for the children of the home, according to U.S. Navy Cmdr. Jack L. Carver, the command chaplain for III Marine Expeditionary Brigade, III Marine Expeditionary Force.



“We wanted to extend our appreciation to the Philippine military and civilian population,” said Carver. “They have been so welcoming during our stay and we wanted to do something for them.”



In addition to the donations, the service members spent the morning playing games and singing with the children, according to Philippine cadet soldier Jomar Fulgar, a student at the cadet soldier training school.



“It is a good feeling to spend the day with the children,” said Fulgar. “Sometimes the best thing you can give to the children is your time. It lets them know that people are thinking of them.”