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KEEP INSTEP, MOVE INSTEP, LIVE INSTEP

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

NY Call, 08 0600 Jan 10

Amenities…

KEEPING INSTEP

I would like to express my sincerest thanks to all of you for coming over to our Traditional New Year’s Call! Let me convey as well my gratitude to all the pretty ladies for their presence and for sharing this moment with their spouses. SALAMAT NG MARAMI SA INYO!

I believe that this is the best way to start the year right-- to get together as one great organization…and as one AIR FORCE FAMILY! The importance of this gathering cannot be underestimated because as one family, this serves a good venue to fill in the gaps through fellowship thereby building healthier and stronger relationships. Had not been for the warm and truly genuine relationship that we have established over the years, we would not have achieved what we have attained in the past and 2009 was no exception.

The past year, is in arguably, a very challenging year for public and private sectors. Economically, we have been battered by the effect of the global financial crisis although we are fortunate still, to achieve positive growth while other economies contracted. We would be remiss not to point this out because our Capability Upgrade Program will be depended on our economic gains. The economy, of course, is composed closely knitted fibers that include security and peace and order. These are the reasons why we are an institution that is not only committed to peace but to national development as well and such, we will continue not only for 2010 but also, in the years to ahead.

The previous year was an acid test for the Philippine Air Force and for the country in general, as man-made and natural calamities overwhelmed our country. Everyone was affected. I am fully aware that perhaps, some of our relatives and friends were affected by the fury of Ondoy and Pepeng however, we can only do so much because Nature’s intensity is beyond our control.

Allow me to take this opportunity to express my sincerest appreciation to all the commanders who had their share of challenges in the aftermath of those natural calamities. I know that you did your best to give hope and cheers to our unfortunate brethren. I commend all of you for toeing the line and KEEPING INSTEP during those most trying moments. We did our best, we gave our countrymen the service that we believe they all deserve and we learned some lessons along the way as well.

As far as insurgency and terrorism are concerned, the Air Force has made significant strides in delivering Air Power in support to our comrade-in-arms in the field. From the remote barangays of Isabela, Abra and Ilocos down to the terrains of Basilan, Jolo and Sulu, our Airmen’s efforts were instrumental in the conduct of joint operations thereby preventing the enemies of the state from advancing their interests that can take the form of harassment among our people, coercing them to go against the government under the cover of false ideologies.

Aside from the countless combat operations that we participated, we had accomplished important Civil Military Operations programs that had taken the fight away from the battlefield. We partnered with other branches of service, NGOs and LGUs in the conduct of socio-humanitarian projects intended to help the marginalized sectors of our society in remote areas, municipalities and barangays. These were intended to help our countrymen enjoy, the conveniences of newly-built farm to market roads, classrooms and healthy centers thus, enticing growth and isolating our people away from the clutches of insurgents.

For all of these significant milestones, my gratitude goes to all Division, tactical wing and groups as well our ground components for exhausting all means possible to support various thrusts against these unscrupulous individuals and groups. SALAMAT SA INYO AND I THINK YOU ALL DESERVE A WARM ROUND OF APPLAUSE!

MOVING INSTEP

Despite the fact that 2009 had been a challenging year to us, we have to be thankful for all the accomplishments that made our commitment to our Core Values stronger than ever. I would like to make mention that we have never wavered in our resolve of uplifting the morals of our officers and enlisted personnel through our myriad of programs that deepen every Airmen’s adherence to Integrity, Service beyond self, Teamwork, Excellence and Professionalism.

For 2010, let us continue to MOVE INSTEP. By moving InStep is to continue with all the programs, thrusts and gains that we have initiated; programs that have impacted the lives of our men and women. Thus, I urge unit commanders to continue still these worthy endeavors because this is something that I know, will be part of a long-lasting legacy that will distinguish us from all other institutions. A legacy, that will continue to seep through the character of every airmen long after we all fade in this tangible world.

Every year poses a challenge to all of us, as an institution, and 2010 is no different. By moving in unison, keeping our ideals intact and by letting our convictions be guided by providence, we can all be better prepared to face any challenge that will befall our great organization. Our people, our resources, our assets and our sound doctrines will enable us to move with confidence as we fulfill our mandate. The final phase in the fight to end insurgency and the elections that will soon happen in a few months are just some of the most awaited events that will require nothing but the best in all of us this year. BASTA SAMA SAMA TAYO, LAHAT KAYA NATIN ITO!

LIVE INSTEP

As we move forward this year with our high hopes and with the bright prospects of an organization that will be mightier and better for 2010, please echo my expectations and aspirations to our men and women for an Air Force that will keep and LIVE INSTEP, and for all our officers and enlisted personnel to act consistently in accordance with its precepts. The challenges ahead, no matter how great they maybe, will test our character individually and as a unit. However, if we have strong foundations and moorings, there is no reason for us to fail; we can successfully overcome any challenge- big or small, easy or hard, simple or complex.

Let me take this most opportune time to give thanks to our spouses for being the source of our strength and our inspiration. To wake up each morning forever inspired despite the challenges that each day brings, we cannot thank them enough because all these years they all have been a part of our triumphs and they were with us even in our lowest moments. Without the support of our spouses, it would be difficult to succeed in our careers and it would be hard to maintain our focus in helping this institution that we love so dearly.

CONCLUSION

It is said that the Greeks developed a peculiar concept of time travel. This stems from the idea that as they moved forward in time what they saw was the past behind them but the future in front of them was something no one could have envisioned. But there is more to this oddity than meets the eye – the Greeks saw the value of looking back into the past as a way of navigating into the future.

By a similar analogy, our air force should take this occasion as a way of looking back at the year just passed and taking stock of the lessons learned, our achievements, as well as the failures and the successes. For only if we have our future plans firmly anchored in the past realities will we be able to forge ahead meaningfully and reach into the year 2010 with confidence and fortitude.

Finally, let us pray hard and have faith that 2010 will be a banner year for the Philippine Air Force. As long as we KEEP INSTEP, MOVE INSTEP AND LIVE INSTEP, we can look at 2010 with our heads high knowing that the Philippine Air Force will soar higher and greater in the years to come. May God shower us all with courage, faith and commitment in service to our country and people. The prospects of 2010 look promising for us all!

That being said, I offer a toast for a truly wonderful and prosperous 2010! Cheers!

…to the Commander in Chief! Cheers!

…to the Secretary of National Defense! Cheers!

…to the Chief of Staff! Cheers!

…to the great men, women of the Philippine Air Force! Cheers!

…and finally, to our friends and allies who have been truly helpful! Cheers!

To everyone, a blessed and prosperous 2010! Once again, my heartfelt thanks. God bless us all.