Marcos Pledges Continued Support, Safety First Focus at 79th Air Force Anniversary

Photo Courtesy of Presidential Communications Office

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday reaffirmed his administration's unwavering commitment to the modernization program of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), emphasizing that defense upgrades must strictly go hand-in-hand with the safety of its personnel.

Speaking at the 79th Founding Anniversary celebration held at Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base, President Marcos Jr. acknowledged the growing complexities of regional and internal security, noting that sustained investments are crucial for the military to execute its mandate safely and effectively.

"...modern challenges grow increasingly complex, requiring sustained investments in your capabilities so that you can perform your duties more safely and effectively," Marcos told the audience of top defense officials, diplomats, and troops.

Accelerating Modernization and Reach

Under this year’s theme, "Focus PAF @ 79: Forging a Credible, Agile, and Multi-Domain Air Force through Mission Readiness, Capability Development, and Values-Based Service," the President highlighted the ongoing acquisitions of advanced assets. He noted that the integration of new helicopters, aircraft, and surveillance radar systems has substantially heightened the country's aerial operational reach and readiness.

The President also lauded the branch for logging nearly 50,000 flying hours over the past year. These operations spanned across territorial defense, critical pilot training, and massive humanitarian missions that transported millions of pounds of relief cargo to disaster-hit communities.

A Directive for Personnel Safety

While pushing for a "capability-enhanced future," the Commander-in-Chief issued a stern directive regarding the airworthiness of state assets. He reminded military commanders that aircraft safety protocols must remain paramount, stressing that the well-being of the airmen and airwomen flying the missions is the true backbone of national defense.

"Remain faithful to your constitutional duty to protect our people and the democratic institutions that safeguard our freedom," Marcos said. He urged the personnel to move forward under the banner of Bagong Pilipinas while upholding core institutional values—Integrity, Service above self, Teamwork, Excellence, and Professionalism (InSTEP).

Commemorative Honors

During the event, the Presidential Communications Office reported that Marcos was accompanied by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr.

The President inspected the recently relaunched Air Force Museum and was presented with a symbolic "Wing of Legacy" memento, featuring miniature jet fighters tracing the evolution of Philippine military aviation since the branch was formally separated via Executive Order No. 94 in 1947. The celebration concluded with the Chief Executive handing out performance awards to exemplary airmen and outstanding military units for their operational excellence.