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CG,PAF’S REMARKS

First Aviation Society Summit

01 July 2009

“We are in this Together”

Amenities…

A Call to Action

I am truly grateful and honored to be here to witness the establishment of the Aviation Society of the Philippines which is unprecedented in history. We have waited for too long a time to create a body that will be at the precipice of Philippine aviation—an organization that will promote its best interests across all fronts; and one that will nurture the industry that has contributed immensely to the country’s economic, stability; an organization that will preserve and document the humble beginnings and development of Philippine Aviation that will serve as reference by military and civilians alike in the near future, towards the advancement of this discipline. The creation of the aviation society came at a most opportune time when developments in aviation are ubiquitous—at an unimaginable pace and we don’t want to be sidelined to mere spectators but a pro-active organization made up of driven and passionate individuals who will push further the limitless boundaries of Philippine Aviation. This is the right time, this may not a good time economically, but to us, stakeholders in Philippine aviation, there is no better moment than now.

Bullish Economy—Drivers of MYCUP

Although, the world is still recovering from the downside effects of the global financial meltdown, the aviation industry remained resilient in its growth prospects that can be primarily attributed to the growing demand in tourism and of cause globalization—a byproduct of the significant advances in the field of information technology, communication and transportation. This point of view was not taken out of instincts but out of intellect and is shared by economic analysts around the world especially in Asia where the impact of the crisis is more bearable vis-à-vis the western countries. Before the financial difficulties started in the latter part of 2007, the aviation industry was growing at an impressive double rate digits as demand for newer, more efficient and cost-effective aircraft were increasing to meet the needs of the ever-growing civil aviation; and also on the other side of the coin, to prop up the demands of military aviation that requires suitable and feasible platform to better address the current emerging operational thrusts in the battlefield, especially in the fight to curb terrorism and extremism. I made mention of my own personal observations on economic matters because of the fact that a viable and robust economy is the military’s hope for a modernized and well-equipped force. The realization of the AFP Multi-Year Capability Upgrade Program, slated to be completed in 18 years at three phases, will be economic-driven, just like other government programs. Thus, the AFP, especially the Philippine Air Force, looks forward to a steady economic gains in the coming years in order to fulfill the promise of a modernized Armed Forces. It is also worth mentioning that sustainable progress is possible, only if it has an Air Force that can respond well to the challenges to peace and order, can protect our territorial domain and integrity, and contribute to regional stability as a stakeholder in the Asia Pacific front.

PAF’s Early beginnings and Modest Contributions

It has been said that the future of wars will depend primarily on air supremacy, whether it be conventional or unconventional. The Father of England’s Royal Air Force, Viscount Hugh M. Trenchard said, and I quote, “The development of air power in its broadest sense, and including the development of all means of combating missiles that travel through the air, whether fired or dropped, is the first ESSENTIAL to our survival in war.” The country’s strategic interests relies on a credible and dependable Air Force that can respond to internal and external threats. For the past 62 years, the Philippine Air Force has remained a steady and an unflinching force that has answered the call of our nation. The history of the Philippine Air Force dates back as early as 1935 when it was still a component of the Philippine Constabulary and later on by the Philippine Army. Known back then as the Philippine Army Air Corps, the gallant air men figured prominently in World War II and had its fair share of success in dogfights against the deadly Japanese zero fighters. Colonel Jesus Villamor and First Lieutenant Cesar Basa were heroes who showed intrepidity in the face of an overwhelming enemy. After World War II, the Philippine Army Air Corps would later be renamed and be segregated as an independent armed service. On July 1^st 1947, the Philippine Air Force was born and gained prominence as one of the most potent air force in the Asian region having been equipped with impressive aerial platforms considered as best pieces of hardware during the early years of the P—A—F.Incidentally, we celebrated our anniversary just this morning. In the 1960s, the fledgling Air Force was tapped for UN humanitarian missions in Congo to avert secessionism and in mercy missions in Indonesia following the aftermath of the eruption of Mount Agung.

PAF Upholds Peace; Helps Calamity-stricken victims

Now, the Philippine Air Force’s focus is on government’s internal security operations campaign against terrorism. The Commander in Chief, Her Excellency Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, gave clear orders to decimate insurgency to aninsignificant level by 2010. Last year, the Air Force was instrumental in conducting Close Air support missions against the group of Kumander Bravo, Kato and Pangalian in Central Mindanao following the rogue elements’ atrocious attack in the towns within the provinces of Lanao del Norte and North Cotabato. The Philippine Air Force was also the first ones to respond to calamities, natural and man-made. Typhoon Frank was one of those disasters where the timely arrival of medical equipment and relief goods proved to be crucial in bringing help to the many who were displaced and injured by such calamity.

Military Aviation’s Contributions to Civil Aviation

The evolution growth of the Civil aviation industry, encompassing both general aviation and air transport, had its beginnings following the conclusion of World War II. Pilots who served at the frontlines and were released after the war, were at the fore of the booming industry. These pilots were inspired by Charles Lindbergh’s successful transatlantic flight in 1927 and Charles Kingsford Smith’s transpacific flight a year later. In the Philippines, most pilots who first served in the commercial industry where once military pilots before they joined civil aviation. So, military aviation proved to be one of the catalysts that brought significant positive gains and contribution to civil aviation and has taken the industry to where it is today, resilient, thriving and growing despite the current economic conditions. I should say, that there is air force blood flowing through the veins of many pilots serving local and international aviation companies. At present, Philippine Air Force, in close coordination with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, augments or provides security to most airports all over the archipelago where commercial airline transport and general aviation also operate. The mutual dependency symbiotic that exists between military and civilian stakeholders are sine qua non or essential elements, that would spur economic growth especially in areas where the prospects are still at the nascent stages; meaning, sustainable development can be assured by two intertwining factors: Security And Ability to bring services and commodities to far-flung areas in all the islands of our country. There are still pristine and unexplored areas where its potentials may be realized if such conditions are met.

The Future of the PAF

The launching of the Aviation Society of the Philippines and the 1^st ever Aviation Summit coincided with the Philippine Air Force’s 62^nd Anniversary. This year’s anniversary theme for the Air Force is “Keeping In-STEP with the AFP, Aiming High and Soaring Strong for Peace and Development”. It is an offshoot of the command objective of an air force that is “operationally responsive to peace and development”. Having set this frame of reference, the Command promotes the core values of Integrity, Service, Teamwork, Excellence in everything we do, and Professionalism as requisites to enable the fulfillment of our Command Philosophy. At present, the Philippine Air Force takes pride in its modest accomplishments to ensure that peace initiatives will endure and create an atmosphere conducive to development and progress. Right now, our pilots are at the frontlines, fighting side-by-side with our brothers in the ground forces, and reaching out to communities by caring for and recognizing the needs of the many, especially those belonging to the marginalized sectors of our society. However, in order to be fully successful in our thrusts, materiel and capability enhancement have to be pursued.

The Capability Upgrade Program, as one of the cornerstones of the Philippine Defense Reform, will enable the Philippine Air Force to strengthen its forces, capability-wise. First phase of the program will be concentrated on enhancement of capabilities to address once and for all Internal Security Operation concerns. Ladies and gentlemen, as you all know, the Capability Upgrade Program involves Back to Basics phase; capability upgrade and the real modernization.

Under this scheme the Philippine Air Force will have dependable fleet of Trainer aircraft, new attack helicopters, utility helicopters, medium and light-lift transport aircraft and other support equipment intended to meet the current and future demands of the Air Force. So far, we have received communication support equipment and have distributed the same to our end users – meaning to say our airmen and soldiers in the field. Likewise, the Philippine Air Force, has received Squad Automatic Weapons and ground transport equipment needed by our troops in the field. Some of the aircraft acquisition and enhancement projects are in the pipeline already and will be finalized and implemented very soon.

PAF Confident On The Prospects Of The Future

As we look forward to the challenges ahead, the Philippine Air Force will be more than ready and responsive to meet the demands of the times. The P—A—F will be capable, better equipped and rationalized across a broad spectrum of missions both traditional, and non traditional. As Winston Churchill, one of the greatest orators and leaders in history, said, and I quote, “Not to have an adequate air force in the present state of the world is to compromise the foundations of national freedom and independence” unquoute. Thus, we will be more effective as a catalyst in the promotion of peace and national development. I am confident as well that you will promote and extend your support to the men and women of the Philippine Air Force who “dare the air and conquer the sky”.

Finally, I wish to convey my congratulations to the officers and men behind this worthy initiative, of course to Gen Danilo Augusto Francia, Gen Oban, Mr. Zapanta. My felicitations go as well, to all the stalwarts of the industry who allotted their precious time to make this event a success. It is nice to see all of you converge in the launching of the Aviation Society of the Philippines, which will soon take the lead in the promotion of Philippine aviation. I also look forward to more ASPI activities in the near future.

Maraming Salamat po sa inyong lahat! Have good day ahead! God bless us all!