President Marcos Vows Strong Support for Philippine Air Force
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured the Philippine Air Force (PAF) that they can count on his administration’s unwavering support. “Habang umaasa ang taumbayan sa inyo, kayo naman ay may maaasahan sa administrasyong ito,” he declared during the PAF’s 78th founding anniversary celebration.
As the commander-in-chief of the Philippine Air Force, President Marcos praised the PAF’s achievements over the past year and urged its members to renew their dedication to safeguarding the nation from above. He emphasized the essential role the Air Force plays in ensuring the safety and security of Filipinos.
Recognizing Decades of Service and Sacrifice
Speaking at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City, the President highlighted the PAF’s nearly eight decades of service, calling their commitment a testament to discipline, determination, and unwavering loyalty to the people and the State. “Thank you for keeping us safe. You do all your work in the sky so that all of us here on the ground may live in peace and security,” he said.
Marcos reflected on the tough missions the Air Force has undertaken, such as flying in harsh weather, delivering aid to typhoon-stricken areas, and supporting ground troops during challenging times. “The hard work continues even when nobody is looking. As threats evolve and disasters strike, the Air Force delivers, adapts, and fulfills its mission,” he added.
PAF’s Crucial Contributions and Modernization Efforts
In the past year alone, the Philippine Air Force logged over 1,000 flying hours conducting air and maritime patrols across strategic locations including the West Philippine Sea and the Philippine Rise. The PAF also performed nearly 13,000 missions supporting internal defense operations, which led to the surrender or capture of 32 high-value targets, sources said.
Moreover, the Air Force acquired new assets such as Black Hawk helicopters, long-range patrol aircraft, and an additional ground-based air defense system to enhance its capabilities. These upgrades underscore the ongoing push for modernization to maintain the PAF’s readiness and effectiveness.
President Marcos reaffirmed his commitment to the Air Force’s continuous improvement, promising to back efforts that strengthen training and operational capacity. “As your Commander-in-Chief, I will ensure my full and sincere support and concern for all of you in the Philippine Air Force,” he said in Filipino.
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