BY JOCELYN MONTEMAYOR and VICTOR REYES
PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. yesterday told the Philippine Air Force (PAF) that its patrol missions are essential in upholding the country’s territorial integrity amid geopolitical challenges in the world as and thanked its men for their contributions and sacrifices.
The President, during rites for the 76th anniversary of PAF at the Clark Air Base in Mabalacat in Pampanga, said the PAF’s service goes far beyond conflict and extends to calamity and humanitarian crises as its assists those in need.
“As your Commander-in-Chief, I am proud to see the great distance that we and that the PAF has flown to ensure the security and sovereignty of our beloved nation… And through the years, you have also supported the Philippine Army and other law enforcement agencies in upholding internal security, making our communities safe from various threats,” he said.
Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Stephen Parreño, in the same event, said PAF has grown into a better force with a “more robust fleet, modern platforms, functional air bases and well-trained personnel,” and vowed the command will strive further towards excellence.
During the ceremonies, 15 Cessna trainer planes formed the number 76, representing what Parreño described as “magnificent years” of the PAF.
The Air Force jumpstarted the anniversary celebration with a demonstration of capability at the Crow Valley Gunnery Range in Capas, Tarlac. The demonstration included intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability of the C-208 aircraft, fast rope insertion and extrication system operation of S70i Black Hawk helicopters, hoist rescue operation by a Huey 2 aircraft, air-to-ground live fire demonstration of FA-50 fighter aircraft, A-29B Super Tucano light attack aircraft, and T-129 Atak helicopters.
Marcos reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthen the Armed Forces, including the Philippine Air Force, through acquisitions under the AFP Modernization Program.
The President also urged the “custodians of the skies” to uphold the values of integrity, excellence, and patriotism as they continue to perform the tasks of upholding national interests, protecting the people, and defending the country’s territory.
“The days ahead will not be easy and will demand every ounce of our strength and our resilience. The winds of change signal geopolitical challenges around our region and other parts of the world that as yet, affect us. The Philippine Air Force’s maritime air patrol missions are thus essential in upholding our territorial integrity and safeguarding Philippine maritime zones,” he said.
EXCELLENCE
Parreño said the Air Force has “toiled to maintain its luster of excellence by performing our mission with diligence, efficiency and top-level quality.”
He said PAF’s collaboration with local and international partners has also grown, which is “proof of our flourishing credibility.”
“And through proactive supply management, asset maintenance, safety prioritization and technological innovation, sustainability is now realized and being institutionalized,” he said.
The PAF chief they are grateful for the “bountiful blessings” which he said allowed them to “serve our people and our nation better.”
“These achievements inspire us to strive harder for excellence,” said Parreño.
“This year, we aim to shine even brighter and to perform even better… Today, we proclaim our commitment to work towards improving our capability, credibility, and sustainability with emphasis on timelines and quality of work,” added Parreño.
Parreño thanked the President, other government officials, and stakeholders for supporting the Air Force.
The PAF was established as a separate branch of the Armed Forces of the Philippines on July 1, 1947 through Executive Order No. 94, series of 1947.
