President Aquino assures continuous acquisition of more aircraft, other equipment to boost PAF's capabilities

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 1): President Aquino assures continuous acquisition of more aircraft, other equipment to boost PAF's capabilities

President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday assured the government's continuous acqusition of more aircraft and other equipment to boost the capability of the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

The Chief Executive, during the AFP's 67th founding anniversary held at the Haribon Hangar, Air Force City here, said the move is part of the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

He said the government is targeting to acquire eight combat utility helicopters, two long range patrol aircraft, six close air support aircraft, radar systems and other equipment for the PAF next year.

This year, he said, the government expects the arrival of the remaining 17 UHI helicopters.

He said the PAF has already three C-130, 18 basic training aircraft, eight Sokor combat utility helicopters, 20 upgraded MD-520 MG helicopters and four UH1 helicopters.

By next year, he also said the Philippines will finally get two of the 12 new FA-50 fighter jets acquired from South Korea.

The President said the delivery of the remaining fighter jets will be completed by 2017.

"Mantakin po ninyo, simula nang i-retiro ang huli nating FA-50 fighter aircraft noong 2005, ay wala na tayong fighter jet na kayang tumanod para sa ating bansa," he said.

"Kaya naman, sa paglapag ng sarili nating FA-50 sa ating bakuran, muli nating magagawang maipagtanggol ang ating teritoryo sa mas epektibong paraan," he added.

The President also said that other initiatives for the PAF include the enhancement of the airforce pilot's skills, the expansion of the airlift capabilities and the putting up of additional fix wings and rotary axis.

Likewise, the President cited the leadership of the military officials and the support of the other men and women uniform for the modernization of the PAF.

"Ang lahat ng tagumpay na ito ng ating AFP at tayog na narating ng modernisasyon ng PAF ay hindi magiging posible kung wala ang suporta ninyo at ng inyong mga pinuno," he said.

He also lauded the efforts of the PAF officers and personnel in providing service to the people.

"Bilang inyong pinuno, hindi ko talaga maiwasang humanga sa paninindigan at abilidad ng inyong hanay. Saksi ako mismo sa inyong dedikasyon at kahandaan paglingkuran ang ating mamamayan," he added.

With the theme of "Soaring High for Peace, Freedom and Development, the event was highlighted with the confernment of awards to outstanding military and civilian personnel and units that contributed to the overall accomplishments of the command.

Named as outstanding military personnel are Major Jonathan P. De Leon from the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing as PAF Officer of the Year; Airman First Class (A1C) Jayson DS. Galvez from the 710th Special Operations Wing (PAF Airman of the Year) ; Staff Sergeant Winthor L. Caingles from the Air Force Finance Center (PAF Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year) .

The outstanding military units are the Brigadier General Benito N. Ebuen Air Base in Mactan Island, Cebu which was named as PAF Model Base of the Year; the 220th Airlift Wing (PAF Commanding General's Flight Safety Award) ; 1st Air Force Wing Reserve (PAF Ready Reserve Wing of the Year award)

The 520th Air Base Wing is this year's recipient of the Commanding General PAF Streamer Award (suppor wing category); 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing which bagged the Commanding General PAF Streamer Award (tactical wing category); Air Logistics Commandwon the Commanding General PAF Streamer Award (command category); 3rd Air Division is this year's winner of the Commanding General PAF Streamer Award( air division category).

The Headquarters Service Support Group is this year's recipient of the Commanding General PAF Streamer Award (support group category) while the Tactical Operations Group 10 of the 3rd Air Division bagged the Commanding General PAF Streamer Award (tactical group category).

Special citations were also given to civilian employees that include Elton Monet B. Merelos from the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing who named as PAF Model Employee of the Year and Eusebio M. Ramos from the 410th Maintenance Wing who was chosen as PAF Model Supervisor of the Year.

Also featured in the PAF anniversary celebration was the flyby of their various assets that include S-211 jets, C-130 Hercules, F-28, F-27 Fokker, N-22 Nomad, OV-10 Bronco bombers, among others.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=658592