 Balika 10-23 is officially underway. It is the 38th iteration of the exercise with the United States oldest ally in the Southeast Pacific, the Philippines. This is the largest to date with over 17,000 participants. Major General Marvin Lee Kudine and Major General Eric Austin give their opening remarks. It builds interoperability, enhances capabilities, and demonstrates mutual defense in the Philippines suffering, territory, and promote peace and security in the region. While this ceremony signifies the beginning of Balika 10, trust me, Philippine and U.S. forces have spent months working hard, planning and preparing for what is sure to be an extraordinary exercise. I would like to recognize and thank our gracious Philippine hosts for your hospitality and your commitment to supporting this exercise and your commitment to supporting our alliance. Shoulder to shoulder, we will always prevail.