PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. made a commitment Friday to support the modernization of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), highlighting its importance in defending the country’s territorial integrity, addressing domestic threats, and responding to natural disasters.
Speaking during the 75th anniversary of the PAF in Clark Air Base in Mabalacat City, Pampanga, President Marcos said that given the strong public backing on his government, PAF’s anniversary is a perfect time to recognize the nation’s continued enhancement of the air force’s strength over the years.
“The ongoing defense modernization effort is in coordination with the basic prerequisites that would complement this administration’s vision for a stronger, bigger, and effective Air Force capable of defending and maintaining our sovereign state, and of assisting our people in times of dire consequences and today’s reality that this dictates,” he said.
“A more modern, aerial, and surveillance capability is all the more felt given the territorial disputes that we in the Philippines are involved in. This enhanced capability is also proven to be very critical in the Philippine military’s efforts to protect the nation from local communist insurgents and the extremist groups in the south.”
Given the country’s location in the Pacific that makes it prone to the dangers of volcanic eruptions and typhoons, the Philippines’ air assets are of great importance, according to the chief executive.
Transport aircraft, helicopters and other assets are important facilities that only the PAF can sufficiently provide, especially during humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, he pointed out.
“All these are just some of the most fundamental and significant functions that we have come to expect from our Air Force.”
The President also congratulated the courageous men and women of the air force for their loyalty, commitment and love of country, which he said, are worth emulating not only by those in the military but also of all Filipino citizens.
During the event, the commander-in-chief, assisted by PAF Commanding General Lt. Gen. Connor Anthony Canlas, Sr., administered the presentation of awards to PAF units and personnel who showcased exemplary performance in military service.
This year’s anniversary has for its theme, “Patuloy sa Paglipad Tungo sa Mas Matatag at Maaasahang Hukbong Himpapawid para sa Diyos, Bayan at Pilipino.”
Other attendees were Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Andres Centino, former President and Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Philippine Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner, PAF Commanding General Lt. Gen. Connor Anthony Canlas Sr., and foreign military attachés
