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Starting It Right In 2010

Proposed Message of Lt General Oscar H Rabena AFP CG, PAF

Flag Raising, 04 Jan 10

Amenities…

“This is the day that the Lord has made, let us all be glad and rejoice in it.” So, first of all, allow me to greet each and every one present here, a blessed and prosperous 2010! I am most certain, that most of you are still savoring those memorable moments in the company of loved ones during that festive celebration of welcoming the New Year and casting history the year that was 2009. And I’m also certain that you have right now your New Year’s resolution for 2010. I deem it necessary to speak before you even if half of our strength is still on break and normal workweek will officially start tomorrow because it is important for me, TO START THE YEAR RIGHT.

And since this is the first Monday of the month and of the year, it is important to set the tone right in order for us to remain on track and true to the creeds of being catalysts in peace and national development as we surge ahead in 2010. Along with a brand new year comes new aspirations and beginning of something greater in order to serve better our country and people. 2009 will unequivocally go down in the annals of our history as one of the most challenging years that tested our resiliency as a nation. …

Through all of these challenges, we emerged stronger and better prepared as an institution that puts premium on giving the kind of service that our people deserves. The year that passed may not be as robust to the nation compared to other years but probably, the events that transpired that year were destined to happen not only to test our intertwining faith in each other in times of tumults, but to learn valuable lessons and draw wisdom out of these painful trials.

For the Philippine Air Force, we were able to prove our strength in the air as well as on the ground against insurgency and terrorism...despite the drudgery of searching for victims and survivors, we did not hesitate to lend that hand in the aftermath of several tragic calamities, whether man-made or natural …and together with other branches of service and NGOs, and all other countrymen, we helped in bringing the AFP at the doorstep of our people by building, among others, schools, bridges, farm-to-market roads and even health centers. Our presence is ubiquitous. I firmly believe that sometimes, our mere presence alone in communities across the country, can ease the pain of those burdened and uplift the spirits of those in panic, while our enemies scramble and disintegrate.

For this year, my hopes are high that we will remain as the ever-dependable InSTEP Airmen in helping the nation forge ahead, move with optimism and emerge out of these rubbles better than ever. There is so much to do and the toil is greater as we look towards a peaceful and credible elections midway into the year. Of course, we need to double or even triple our effort in casting into oblivion the last remaining shards of insurgency so that our people can welcome into their communities the enviable prospects of development. These labors will require the best in everything we do for at times, we will be confronted with many choices but difficult decisions. But then, there is always uncertainty in the midst and this is often negated by judging and deciding with conviction and based on our moral compass. Our experience…our training…and our morals should be enough to deal with all these uncertainties easily.

As we move through this brand new year filled with hope and optimism, I urge each one to stay consistent with the values of InSTEP – of Integrity, Service, Team Work, Excellence and Professionalism - because I believe that it is only through that that we can serve best our people. Most important of all, let us give thanks to the Almighty and pray that the Air Force Family will be mightier and stronger than ever not only in 2010 but in the years to come.

Lastly, let us plan well for this year, not only for our respective offices and units, but also for our personal lives and seek refuge in God who gave us His reassuring commitment when he said in the book of Jeremiah, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

So once again, to the Air Force Family, a Happy New Year to all of you.

Good morning and God bless us all!