MANILA, Philippines – NANAWAGAN si Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. sa Philippine Air Force (PAF) na manatiling matatag sa mandato ng Saligang Batas. Hinikayat niya ang military personnel na pagtibayin ang propesyonalismo, disiplina, at integridad habang nahaharap ang bansa sa lalong nagiging kumplikadong security challenges.
Sa pagsasalita sa ika-79 na anibersaryo ng pagkakatatag ng PAF sa Villamor Air Base sa Pasay City, binigyang-diin ni Pangulong Marcos ang mahalagang papel ng military sa pangangalaga hindi lamang sa national security kundi maging sa democratic institutions ng bansa.
“As your Commander-in-Chief, I encourage you to continue upholding the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, and integrity,” ayon sa Pangulo.
“Above all, remain faithful to your constitutional duty to protect our people and defend the democratic institutions that safeguard our freedoms,” dagdag na pahayag ng Pangulo.
Ang pahayag na ito ng Pangulo ay kasunod ng patuloy na mass protest ng libo-libong miyembro ng Iglesia ni Cristo sa ilang bahagi ng EDSA, na nagbunsod ng paghihigpit sa security measures at muling nagpasigla sa public discussion ukol sa democratic institutions, governance, at political dissent.
Nagbigay-pugay naman ang Pangulo sa ebolusyon ng PAF sa loob ng halos walong dekada at inilarawan ito bilang isang “mission-oriented, capability-driven, and values-based institution.”
“Since becoming a separate major service of the AFP in 1947, PAF has transformed from a modest post-war force into one of the country’s principal institutions for territorial defense, humanitarian response, and national security,” aniya.
Sa kabilang dako, binigyang-diin ng Pangulo ang operational accomplishments ng PAF sa nakalipas na taon, sabay sabing ang serbisyo nito ay nakapagtala ng halos 50,000 flying hours sa internal at external defense missions, pilot training, unit operations, at maintenance activities.
Tinukoy ng Pangulo ang naging ambag ng serbisyo sa disaster response operations, troop deployments, at inter-island missions, sabay sabing nakapagdala ito ng milyun-milyong libra ng kargamento at sampu-sampung libong pasahero.
Gayundin, pinuri ng Pangulo ang pagsisikap ng PAF na palakasin ang territorial defense posture ng bansa sa pamamagitan ng napapanatiling patrols at air surveillance operations.
“At the same time, you have reinforced our territorial defense through sustained patrols and air surveillance operations, strengthening our maritime domain awareness and sovereignty protection,” wika ng Pangulo.
Binigyang-diin ng Pangulo ang kahalagahan ng international defense engagements sa pagpapahusay ng interoperability at pagsusulong ng regional stability.
Upang tugunan ang nagbabagong security threats, muling pinagtibay ni Pangulong Marcos ang commitment ng administrasyon na pabilisin ang military modernization efforts.
Sa ilalim ng PAF Modernization Program, sinabi ng Pangulo na “the government has continued to strengthen operational capabilities through the acquisition of helicopters, aircraft, and surveillance radar systems.”
“Equally important is our sustained investment in the people who make these capabilities meaningful,” ayon kay Pangulong Marcos.
Aniya, patuloy na sinusuportahan ng gobyerno ang specialized intelligence training, advanced flight simulation programs, at joint exercises kasama ang local at international military counterparts.
Binigyang-diin pa ng Chief Executive ang commitment ng administrasyon na pangalagaan ang kapakanan ng military personnel, kabilang ang mga inisyatiba upang palakasin ang mental health at well-being programs.
“In line with this, I also reiterate my directive to the Philippine Air Force to ensure the airworthiness of all its aircraft and to uphold rigorous safety protocols in mission and training activities,” ani Pangulong Marcos.
“Our aircraft carry the women and men who serve our nation. Their safety must always remain paramount,” dagdag pa niya.
Tiniyak naman ni Pangulong Marcos sa PAF ang patuloy na suporta ng administrasyon habang hinaharap nito ang lalong nagiging kumplikadong operational challenges.
“Be assured that the Administration is committed to providing the Philippine Air Force with the resources, opportunities, and support necessary to carry out your mission with honor and excellence,” aniya. Kris Jose
