Basa Air Base, Floridablanca, Pampanga
July 1, 2024
“For over seventy years, our Air Force has soared through the skies as our nation’s wings —gallantly embodying the Filipinos’ enduring spirit of freedom,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. remarked as he graced the 77th founding anniversary of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) at Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga.
In his speech, the President conveyed his deepest gratitude to the valiant officers and personnel of the PAF as ably commanded by Lieutenant General Stephen Parreño, PAF Commanding General. He emphasized that the Air Force had taken significant steps in complementing and boosting the Administration’s vision of a stronger and more capable nation defenders.
“We have increased our maritime domain awareness by regularly conducting maritime patrol missions and monitoring over four hundred unknown tracks within the Philippine Air Defense Identification Zone,” he said.
Likewise, President Marcos Jr. underscored the national government's steadfast support for internal security operations that led to the surrender and neutralization of over 250 members of local insurgency groups. He highlighted the country's strengthened international defense and security ties achieved through sustained dialogue with foreign military counterparts and participation in multiple bilateral and multilateral military exercises.
“In all of these, the selfless women and men of the Air Force have been nothing short of exemplary, especially in your efforts to provide prompt assistance by regularly conducting humanitarian and disaster response operations,” he added.
The Commander-in-Chief reaffirmed the Administration’s continued dedication to the nation’s armed forces through capability development, citing that consistent efforts are being undertaken such as acquiring additional air assets, enhancing cyber warfare communication systems and pursuing base development programs.
Furthermore, the government has acquired aircraft and advanced radar systems which have significantly enhanced the country's operational readiness and expanded its operational reach.
“Indeed, these assets contribute to an agile Air Force — capable of protecting our nation, our people and our resources; and dedicated to ensure that we are ready to face challenges with advanced precision, speed and force,” he reiterated.
Recognizing the Air Force’s unparalleled dedication and noble duty to the nation, President Marcos Jr. congratulated the 2024 awardees for their exemplary performance that contributed to the PAF’s success.
He assured all servicemen that his Administration is fully committed to prioritizing their welfare and overall health and wellness to ensure that they can continue to perform their duties effectively and safely.
“Together, let us fortify our efforts to building a stronger Air Force and AFP that will serve as an instrument for peace and unity, a catalyst for nation-building, and a vanguard of stability… Let us move forward guided by the ideals of a 'Bagong Pilipinas' and remain united in our mission to protect our skies, defend our lands and serve our countrymen,” President Marcos Jr. ended in his speech.
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