President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday paid tribute to the Philippine Air Force (PAF) as it marked its 79th Founding Anniversary at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City, citing its growth, accomplishments, and continuing role in national defense and disaster response.
“Today, we commemorate and honor your beginnings and look toward a capability-enhanced future for our Air Force,” President Marcos said in his speech during the celebration.
The President said this year’s theme, “Forging a Credible, Agile, and Multi-Domain Air Force through Mission Readiness, Capability Development, and Values-Based Service,” reflects the PAF’s commitment to building a stronger force.
Marcos noted that the PAF was established almost eight decades ago to serve the country and the Filipino people.
Since becoming a separate major service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in 1947, the President said the PAF has grown from a modest post-war force into a mission-oriented, capability-driven, and values-based institution.
“Indeed, its development reflects the dedication of generations of Airmen and Airwomen who have remained adaptable while staying true to their mission,” President Marcos said.
The Chief Executive said the PAF has repeatedly proven itself as an indispensable partner in nation-building, from providing humanitarian assistance after devastating typhoons to helping safeguard the country’s territorial integrity.
“During times of calamity, you have shown up to rescue stranded individuals and support affected communities when they needed the government the most,” President Marcos said.
“For all these and more, our entire nation could not be more grateful,” the President said.
Marcos said that in the past year alone, the PAF logged nearly 50,000 flying hours across internal and external defense missions, military pilot training, unit training, and maintenance operations.
He said the Air Force also transported millions of pounds of cargo and tens of thousands of passengers in support of disaster response, troop deployments, and inter-island operations.
Through bilateral and multilateral defense engagements, the President said the PAF has deepened cooperation with allies, enhanced interoperability, and promoted regional stability.
Marcos also cited the PAF’s role in strengthening the country’s defense capability, saying it has reinforced territorial defense through sustained patrols and air surveillance operations that enhance maritime domain awareness and protection of Philippine sovereignty.