(Manila, 1st) Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos on Tuesday emphasized that the Philippine Air Force (PAF) plays a crucial role in national security, disaster response, and law enforcement, and pledged that the government will continue to provide support to assist the Air Force in equipping and modernizing itself to address regional threats and domestic challenges.
At the Philippine Air Force’s 78th Anniversary celebration held at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City, Marcos praised the Air Force’s commitment to its mission and its growing ability to defend Philippine airspace and support the public.
"The Philippine Air Force is in itself a formidable force—reliable, flexible, and an essential pillar of national airspace defense." Marcos stated that the Air Force has long played a key role in national defense, humanitarian rescue, and law enforcement operations.
He mentioned that over the past year, the Air Force has strengthened aerial and maritime surveillance in response to the tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
"We have monitored hundreds of unidentified aerial targets within the air defense identification zone and kept a close watch on thousands of vessels approaching our waters," he said.
In addition, the Air Force also supports domestic security operations, tracking and combating insurgents, assisting in law enforcement, apprehending criminals, and preventing smuggling activities that affect the economy.
Marcos said that the Philippine Air Force works quietly behind the scenes, demonstrating professionalism and self-sacrifice, continuing to perform its duties even when no one is watching.
"Even when no one is looking, you continue to work diligently," he said. "Time and again, you risk your lives just to protect the people."
To enable the Air Force to meet its growing mission demands, Marcos reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continually advancing the modernization of the Air Force.
"The government will do its utmost to provide the Philippine Air Force with the best equipment, training, and facilities," he said. "We will continue to provide steadfast support."
Marcos noted that the Air Force’s capabilities have already begun to improve significantly, including the acquisition of six new aircraft, the expansion of flight simulation and advanced training programs, and the improvement of infrastructure to ensure the security of aerial assets and strategic deployment.
Despite operational challenges, Marcos specifically commended the Air Force’s swift actions in responding to natural disasters both domestically and abroad.
He assured Air Force personnel that he is committed to maintaining the welfare and combat readiness of the troops.
"The people trust you, and you can trust this administration. As your Commander-in-Chief, I will ensure continuous, steadfast, and sincere support and care for the Philippine Air Force," Marcos told all Air Force personnel in Filipino.
At the Philippine Air Force’s 78th Anniversary celebration held at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City, Marcos praised the Air Force’s commitment to its mission and its growing ability to defend Philippine airspace and support the public.
"The Philippine Air Force is in itself a formidable force—reliable, flexible, and an essential pillar of national airspace defense." Marcos stated that the Air Force has long played a key role in national defense, humanitarian rescue, and law enforcement operations.
He mentioned that over the past year, the Air Force has strengthened aerial and maritime surveillance in response to the tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
"We have monitored hundreds of unidentified aerial targets within the air defense identification zone and kept a close watch on thousands of vessels approaching our waters," he said.
In addition, the Air Force also supports domestic security operations, tracking and combating insurgents, assisting in law enforcement, apprehending criminals, and preventing smuggling activities that affect the economy.
Marcos said that the Philippine Air Force works quietly behind the scenes, demonstrating professionalism and self-sacrifice, continuing to perform its duties even when no one is watching.
"Even when no one is looking, you continue to work diligently," he said. "Time and again, you risk your lives just to protect the people."
To enable the Air Force to meet its growing mission demands, Marcos reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continually advancing the modernization of the Air Force.
"The government will do its utmost to provide the Philippine Air Force with the best equipment, training, and facilities," he said. "We will continue to provide steadfast support."
Marcos noted that the Air Force’s capabilities have already begun to improve significantly, including the acquisition of six new aircraft, the expansion of flight simulation and advanced training programs, and the improvement of infrastructure to ensure the security of aerial assets and strategic deployment.
Despite operational challenges, Marcos specifically commended the Air Force’s swift actions in responding to natural disasters both domestically and abroad.
He assured Air Force personnel that he is committed to maintaining the welfare and combat readiness of the troops.
"The people trust you, and you can trust this administration. As your Commander-in-Chief, I will ensure continuous, steadfast, and sincere support and care for the Philippine Air Force," Marcos told all Air Force personnel in Filipino.