BBM lauds 'dedicated' Air Force, assures modernization to continue

PRESIDENT Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Friday recognized the "courageous and dedicated" members of the Philippine Air Force who are "ever-ready to defend" and who tirelessly exert efforts to keep the country's airspace free from intruders and the whole archipelago secured from unwanted elements "that will sow chaos in our land".

The new Commander-in-Chief made the remark on the PAF's 75th Founding Anniversary celebration at the Clark Air Base in Pampanga.

In his message to the men and women of the Air Force, Marcos Jr. vowed that his administration would ensure the welfare of all officers and soldiers tasked to protect the Philippine skies.

He likewise committed to further modernize the PAF as what his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, did over the past six years.

"A strong PAF guarantees a free, progressive, and secured nation," the newly sworn in leader said in his message.

"Our PAF airmen are our heroes in the air. They shall be equipped with more state-of-the-art fighter planes and armed with more firepower. The enhancement of the PAF's capabilities is one of the top priorities of this administration," he added.

The Chief Executive was accorded arrival honors during the diamond anniversary celebration led by PAF Commanding General Lt. Gen. Connor Anthony Canlas. It was Marcos Jr.'s first official engagement since officially assuming the presidency on Thursday.

Some of the military branch's newest air assets were put on display, including a flyby of four FA-50PH fighter jets. There was also a "75" formation of nine T-41 and 12 SF-260 aircrafts.

The audience, which also included former president and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapaga-Arroyo, was also treated to more flybys by various PAF assets, among them the A-29B Super Tucano, T-41 and SF260 Trainer Aircraft, S-701 Black Hawk, AW-109, T-129, AH-1S Cobra Helicopters.

The final salute to the President was rendered by two FA-50 fighter jets.

Meanwhile, Canlas urged the new administration to continue the modernization programs started by Duterte.

Canlas said during his speech that they were expecting more assets to arrive under the Marcos Administration, as part of the ongoing modernization program.

"We are hoping for your continued support. We are also expecting more assets," Canlas said.

Some of these are four radars under Horizon 2, 32 more s70i Blackhawk helicopters, and two more additional combat utility choppers.

"This will make us more agile for our operations for assistance of versus any threats or future security threats," he said.

Presently, Canlas said the PAF has acquired six Super Tucanos, six Hermes 900, four Scaneagles UAV, two 129 Atak Helicopters, 16 S70i Blackhawks, a G280 Command and Control Aircraft and the Spyder Defense System.

"We are ready to defend and accomplish any task," Canlas said.

Canlas also launched the "Flight Plan 2040" to ensure the continued modernization of the air force.

PAF Spokesman Col Maynard Mariano said they are also expecting additional personnel.

"We have a modernization program being undertaken. And we're hoping that this will continue. For the next years to come. We have a lot of, again programs in the pipeline, our assets will be added, and some of these systems will be delivered within the next months will arrive," Mariano said.

Canlas assisted President Marcos in presenttong the awards to PAF units and personnel who showcased exemplary performance in military service.

This year's anniversary carries the theme, 'Patuloy sa Paglipad Tungo sa Mas Matatag at Maaasahang Hukbong Himpapawid para sa Diyos, Bayan at Pilipino.

Source: TheManila Times