The Philippine Air Force (PAF) formally handed over a retired 1950s-era presidential aircraft to the city government of Silay, Negros Oriental on Friday, Jan. 26, as part of efforts to preserve its rich history.
PAF chief Lt. Gen Stephen P. Parreño and Silay City Mayor Joedith Gallego led the blessing ceremony of the Fokker F-27 "Friendship" aircraft with tail number 59-0259 at Barangay E. Lopez "to usher in a new chapter in the aircraft's history."
Subsequently, the aircraft's documents were turned over to Mayor Gallego.
"This medium-lift aircraft was delivered to the PAF in 1958 and served with distinction for 63 years. It held a special place in the history of the PAF as it carried presidents and VIPs on countless missions," the PAF said in a statement.
Among those serviced by the Fokker F-27 Friendship was the father of Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the late former Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
"Later, as part of the 220th Airlift Wing, it performed emergency air evacuations, maritime patrols, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief operations," it added.
In 2022, the aircraft encountered an engine problem during its take-off from Bacolod-Silay Airport en route to Manila, prompting the PAF to ground it and eventually retire from service since it was deemed "beyond economic repair."
The Fokker F-27 Friendship was among the first batch of post-war aircraft acquired by the PAF from Dutch manufacturer Fokker. It had a capacity pf 32 passengers and a maximum operating speed of 223 knots.
Parreño emphasized the aircraft's remarkable service record which, he said, is "a testament to its reliability and the dedication of the personnel who maintained and operated it."
He also took pride in seeing the F-27 continue its legacy by contributing not only to Silay’s cultural heritage development but also serving as a destination for both tourists and learners alike.
Meanwhile, Gallego expressed the gratefulness of people of Silay to the PAF for entrusting the Fokker F-27 Friendship aircraft to the city.
Now, the PAF is aiming to acquire more advanced air assets as part of the military's Horizon 3 modernization program.