The USS Peleliu arrived yesterday for its first leg of the Philippine goodwill mission. Hand in hand with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the US Navy ship will deliver goods such as clothes, toys, food and medical supplies, conduct free health clinics and reconstruct houses, schools and public buildings in Bicol, Jolo and Sulu. The goodwill mission will last for one month.

The goodwill mission is in support of the United States' and the Philippines’ pledge to provide continuing humanitarian and civic assistance to the poor in remote provinces in the country. US Ambassador Kristie Kenney is pleased with the partnership and said that she is excited about the construction mission in Bicol which will fall on the US' Independence Day celebration. She added further that she is pleased to continue the proud tradition of partnership between the US military and government and the Philippines. "This partnership is about ensuring a better tomorrow for our peoples. I know the future holds many more opportunities for our nations to work together on a shared vision for development, peace and opportunity for our peoples and for the citizens of Southeast Asia," she said during the welcoming rites for the USS Peleliu.

Social Welfare Secretary Esperanza Cabral, Defense Undersecretary Ernesto Carolina and Commodore Bruce Stewart, head of the US Pacific Partnership deployment also graced the ceremony. During the ceremony, Stewart handed over to Cabral a donation of goods for the poor in remote communities in the Philippines like medical supplies, clothing, toys and livelihood and sports and livelihood equipment given by Project Handclasp, a San Diego-based charity.

Standing in behalf of DND Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., Carolina said the partnership "is a clear indication of the US and Philippine’s shared interest in humanitarian service." "The participation of the USS Peleliu and its personnel in humanitarian work in the country is more than an opportunity to strengthen the ties between the two countries, it’s an opportunity for them to interact with Filipinos through project Handclasp," Carolina added further.

USS Peleliu houses public health and medical personnel from the US Navy, US Air Force and US Army, personnel from the Navy Mobile construction battalion, a US Pacific Fleet surgical team, medical and engineering specialists from NGOs like Project Hope, the Aloha Medical Mission and the University of California at San Diego Pre-Dental society and third-country military medical personnel and professional musicians from the US Marine Forces Pacific Band, who will perform free public concerts at several of the humanitarian project sites and other locations.