Philippine Army soldiers from the 8th Infantry Division and Australian Defence Force personnel conducted Basic Jungle Survival Training in Hinabangan, Samar, to strengthen survival skills, improve adaptability in challenging jungle environments, and enhance military readiness under Kasangga 2026.
HINABANGAN, Samar, Philippines — Philippine Army soldiers from the 8th Infantry Division (8ID), together with members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), conducted Basic Jungle Survival Training in Hinabangan, Samar, to strengthen their survival skills and operational readiness in challenging jungle environments.
According to the 8ID, the training aims to equip soldiers with essential jungle survival techniques while enhancing their ability to adapt, evade, and survive in difficult terrain without compromising combat readiness and operational effectiveness.
The training featured practical demonstrations and hands-on exercises designed to prepare troops for situations in which access to conventional supplies and equipment may be limited. Activities included constructing improvised jungle shelters, identifying edible and poisonous plants, and learning basic animal-trapping techniques.
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These exercises provide soldiers with practical knowledge that can help them respond to challenging environmental conditions during military operations, particularly in forested areas where survival skills, resourcefulness, and adaptability are essential.
The participation of Australian Defence Force personnel also provided an opportunity for Philippine and Australian troops to share knowledge and strengthen military cooperation through field-based training.
Several Australian soldiers are currently in Samar as part of Kasangga 2026, an activity involving Philippine-Australian military cooperation. The jungle survival training forms part of the broader engagement aimed at developing military capabilities and improving the ability of participating personnel to operate in demanding environments.
Through joint training activities, Philippine and Australian forces continue to exchange practical expertise and build professional relationships, supporting their respective efforts to maintain operational preparedness.
The exercise in Hinabangan highlights the importance of survival training in military operations, where the ability to find shelter, recognize available food sources, and navigate unfamiliar terrain can be critical to personnel safety and mission effectiveness.
