PRESS RELEASE

 Public Information Office, Headquarters Philippine Air Force

            Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base, Pasay City

              Telefax (632) 853-5023 local: 6629/6529

          Email:  afpio.1957@yahoo.com

                             DATE: 05 SEPTEMBER 2011                                                LT COL MIGUEL ERNESTO G OKOL PAF (GSC)

                                                                                        Director, PIO

1^ST AD MARKS RED-LETTER DAY

            The 1^st Air Division (1^st AD), the Philippine Air Force’s   premier unit in Clark Air Base will celebrate its 40^th founding anniversary today, 6 September 2011,  with a formal program that will highlight  outstanding members of the unit. Air Force Chief, Lieutenant General Oscar H Rabena AFP and his lady, Ms. Jocy Rabena, will grace the occasion.  Maj Gen Ricardo C Banayat AFP, 1^st Air Division Commander leads the anniversary activities.

            According to Public Information Director, Lt. Colonel Miguel Ernesto Okol, this year’s list of anniversary awardees are accomplished individuals both from the unit members and civilian supporters. Air Force Chief, Lt Gen Rabena AFP, to be assisted by 1AD Commander, Maj Gen Banayat AFP, will present the awards.

            InSTEP awardees include TSg Garry G Gabrillo (Integrity Award) while Col Marlon S Cosue and Sgt Victor T Espalis will be presented the Service Award. The Tactical Operations Group (TOG) 5, 1309^th Dental Dispensary and the 6013^th Base Services Squadron, will be presented the Teamwork Awards. Tactical Operation Group (TOG) 2 and A1C Robert Jeffrey D Baculna are set to receive the Excellence Award.  Professionalism Award will be presented to the following: Col Simplicio A Lumantas Jr, (Officer of the Year), TSg Eduardo A Quitoy (NCO of the Year), A1C Janus Ryan Z Gopela (Airman of the Year) and Ms. Sonia Tagaduan (Civilian Employee of the Year). 

                        The Bayanihan Plaque will be presented to Ms. Ana Datu of SM City Clark and Mr. Anthony Shilton of the T\Rotary Club of Mabalacat.

             With the theme: Kaakibat ng Sambayanan sa Pagtahak sa Tuwid na Daan Tungo sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran”, the  1^st Air Division is all set to mark its 40^th year, the formal program will be held at the Air Force City Officer’s Club..#