Two senior Philippine Air Force officers returned to the Philippine Military Academy to mentor future military aviators, sharing lessons on leadership, service, and the demands of air operations.
The PMA, through its Department of Air Warfare, held a leadership talk for Aerocadets of the Cadet Corps Armed Forces of the Philippines at the Lopez Hall of Leaders on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
The session featured Colonel Robert Bitas PAF (MNSA), Deputy Wing Commander of the 580th Air Control and Warning Wing, and Colonel Julius Samson Nazi PAF (MNSA), Chief of Command Staff of the Air Education and Training Command.
Both officers are members of PMA “BANTAY LAYA” Class of 1994 and have served for more than three decades in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, building careers as Philippine Air Force pilots, commanders, and senior leaders.
Bitas previously served as a helicopter pilot commander before assuming his current post at Wallace Air Station in San Fernando City, La Union. Nazi, meanwhile, served as a flight commander and qualified Night Vision Goggles co-pilot at the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing.
During the talk, the two officers shared their professional experiences with the aerocadets, focusing on the responsibilities, discipline, and decision-making required in military aviation.
Their stories gave the cadets practical insights into the realities of command, operational readiness, and professional growth within the Air Force.
The engagement also allowed the aerocadets to learn directly from PMA alumni who had gone through the same training environment before taking on leadership roles in the aviation service.
Beyond recounting career milestones, Bitas and Nazi emphasized the importance of perseverance, competence, and commitment as the cadets prepare for future duties as officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The PMA said it continues to hold leadership talks, seminars, and similar engagements to expose cadets to the professional environment they will soon enter. These activities aim to help future officers better understand the standards, responsibilities, and realities of military service.