President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. delivers his message during the PAF’s 76th Founding Anniversary Celebration in Clark Air Base in Mabalacat, Pampanga. | Photo from Philippine Air Force
PAMPANGA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. witnessed the capability demonstration of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) in Tarlac and Pampanga on Monday.
“As your commander in chief, I am proud to see the great distance that we and the path has flown to ensure the security and sovereignty of our beloved nation,” Marcos said in his speech in Clark Air Base in Mabalacat, Pampanga.
“The achievements exemplify the values that the PAF stands for – integrity, excellence and patriotism,” the Chief Executive noted.
“As members of the Philippine Air Force, you must always uphold these values as the custodians of our skies and trusted with the task of upholding our national interests, protecting our people and defending our territory,” he told PAF.
The first leg of the celebration was held in Colonel Ernesto Ravina Air Base in Capas, Tarlac.
PAF units demonstrated air-to-ground live fire capabilities of fighter jets FA50 PH, A29B Super Tucano, and T129 Atak helicopters.
Air Force personnel also demonstrated the capabilities of their S70i Black Hawk helicopters in the Fast Rope Insertion and Extraction System, as well as the hoist rescue operation of a littered patient performed by a Huey 2 aircraft.
After seeing these activities, Marcos flew to Clark Air Base to attend a PAF program.
Also present were House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Defense secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Andres Centino, PAF commanding general Stephen Parreño, and other officials.
Displayed during the Pampanga event were PAF assets such as fighter jets FA50PH and T129, transport aircraft C295 andC130, multipurpose helicopters PZL W-3A Sokol and S70i, an unmanned aerial vehicle, and Ground-Based Air Defense System platforms.
During the occasion, Marcos also saw a “76” formation fly of trainer aircraft T-41.
PAF, as an institution, began as Philippine Army Air Corps.
It became a separate military service on July 1, 1947.
“We look back today on a very rich history of our Air Force, which can be traced from the stormy days of the First World War, when military aviation was first introduced here in our country,” Marcos recalled.
“The dedication and sacrifice of all the personnel demonstrated throughout history (that) has paved the way for the peers’ growth and success over the last 76 years,” he noted.
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