The Philippine Air Force (PAF) reiterated its dedication to secure the nation and the Filipino people against “trespassing aggressors” as it celebrated its 77th anniversary on Monday, July 1, at the Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga.
PAF Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Stephen Parreño said the air force is striving to develop its capabilities amid an “ever-evolving” security landscape in the region, marked by the ongoing tension between the Philippines and China over a territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
“As we turn over a new leaf, your Philippine Air Force – now more capable, credible and sustainable – stands ready to answer the call of duty amidst an ever-evolving security landscape,” Parreño said.
“When trespassing aggressors are denying us of our right in our own territory, threatening our ships and harming our soldiers, we are ready to respond swiftly with courage and firm resolve in defense of our sovereignty, in honor of our flag,” he added.
The ceremony was graced by President Marcos Jr., House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo Jr., Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., National Security Adviser (NSA), Eduardo Año, and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Romeo Brawner Jr.
The theme for this year’s celebration was “Accelerating Above and Beyond: 77 Years of PAF Excellence in Protecting the Nation and Securing the Skies” which, according to Parreño, “reflects the enduring commitment of past and present Filipino airmen and airwomen to serve the nation with excellence and relentlessly pursue inclusive progress.”
The event was highlighted by a live capability demonstration which showcased PAF’s ability to retake a territory seized by hostile forces using various aircraft such as FA50 PH fighter jets, A29B Super Tucano light attack aircraft, AgustaWestland “ATAK” helicopters, and S70i Black Hawk helicopters.
PAF personnel also performed intelligence reconnaissance and surveillance of the area using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs); and troop insertion via Black Hawk' helicopters using the fast-rope insertion and extraction system (FRIES) to perform the mission.
The PAF also displayed the capabilities of its newly acquired Ground-Based Air Defense System (GBADS), also known as the Israeli-made Spyder mobile air defense system, which enables the air force to protect the country’s airspace from hostile aircraft.
Marcos then led the presentation of plaques and streamers to 17 PAF units, officers, enlisted personnel and civilian human resource “for their meritorious and exceptional services rendered to the country and Filipino people.”
“Much has changed in more than seven decades since the PAF was established. Every day we continue to muster strength, boost our capabilities and consolidate power through modernization efforts and constant training,” Parreño said.
“Even as we continue to grow, we take immense pride in how far we have already come in enhancing our public value, improving accountability, promoting good governance, and nurturing a culture of safety within the org and just as we sustain efforts to bolster our force in capability development,” the PAF chief added.
Alongside the PAF’s endeavor towards sustainability, Parreño said they have formulated the “PAF Maintenance Management System Audit Manual”. The manual is a reference for establishing a standard for a robust maintenance system and a guide for ensuring consistent implementation of effective maintenance practices towards higher operational readiness and responsiveness across all PAF units.
“This will also serve as a basis for recognizing units who exemplify a strong maintenance culture, thereby, contributing to the sustainment efforts of the Philippine Air Force,” Parreño explained.
The PAF chief then thanked the national government, led by Marcos as the military’s commander in chief, for the “steadfast guidance and commitment to strengthening our defense force.”
“Inaalay po namin ang bigay ng ating Maykapal na angking galing, tapang, lakas, maging ang aming buhay upang protektahan ang ating mga mamamayan at depensahan ang ating soberanya upang makamit ang minimithing Bagong Pilipinas. Ipinapangako po namin na kami ay magsisilbing instrumento ng kapayapaan at kaunlaran para sa lahat (We commit our excellence, bravery, strength, and even our lives given by the Almighty to protect our people and defend our sovereignty to achieve what we endeavor a brand new Philippines. We promise to be instruments of peace and progress for all),” Parreño said.