President Marcos has ordered the Philippine Air Force (PAF) to place the safety of its personnel above all else, stressing that every aircraft carries men and women serving the nation.

Speaking during the 79th founding anniversary celebration of the PAF at Villamor Air Base, Marcos reiterated his directive for the Air Force to ensure the airworthiness of all aircraft and maintain rigorous safety standards in both missions and training exercises.

He likewise vowed support for programs aimed at protecting the mental health and overall well-being of airmen and airwomen.

"In line with this, I also reiterate my directive to the Philippine Air Force to ensure the airworthiness of all its aircraft and to uphold rigorous safety protocols in mission and training activities," the President said.

"Our aircraft carry the women and men who serve our nation. Their safety must always remain paramount," he added.

Marcos said the government would continue providing the resources and support necessary for the Air Force to carry out its mandate safely and effectively amid increasingly complex security challenges.

He added that the government would continue investing in the development of Air Force personnel through specialized intelligence training, advanced flight simulation programs, and participation in exercises with foreign counterparts.

The President said the administration remains committed to strengthening the Air Force's operational capabilities under the PAF Modernization Program.

He noted that the government had already enhanced the service's capabilities through the acquisition of helicopters, aircraft, and surveillance radar systems.

"This is particularly important as modern challenges grow increasingly complex, requiring sustained investments in your capabilities so that you can perform your duties more safely and more effectively," Marcos said.

He assured Air Force personnel that the administration would continue providing the resources, opportunities, and support needed for them to fulfill their mission with "honor and excellence."

President Marcos also lauded the Air Force for its role in safeguarding the country's territorial integrity and strengthening maritime domain awareness.

He noted that the PAF had reinforced territorial defense through sustained patrols and air surveillance operations while deepening cooperation with allies through bilateral and multilateral defense engagements.

"At the same time, you have reinforced our territorial defense through sustained patrols and air surveillance operations, strengthening our maritime domain awareness and sovereignty protection," he said.

The President highlighted the Air Force's accomplishments over the past year, noting that it logged 49,896 flying hours across internal and external defense missions, military pilot training, unit training, and maintenance activities.

He said the PAF also transported millions of pounds of cargo and tens of thousands of passengers in support of disaster response operations, troop deployments, and inter-island missions.

"Whether providing humanitarian assistance after devastating typhoons or safeguarding our territorial integrity, the Air Force has shown time and again that it is an indispensable partner in nation-building," Marcos said.

Marcos also paid tribute to the families of military personnel, saying their love, patience, and understanding had helped build the Air Force that Filipinos celebrate today.

"Know that your unconditional love, patience, and understanding have helped build the PAF that our nation proudly celebrates today," he said.

The President urged members of the Air Force to continue upholding professionalism, discipline, and integrity while remaining faithful to their constitutional duty to protect the Filipino people and defend democratic institutions.

The Philippine Air Force traces its roots to the Philippine Army Air Corps established in 1935 before becoming a separate major service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in 1947.