PRESS RELEASE

 Public Information Office, Headquarters Philippine Air Force

            Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base, Pasay City

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

          Email: pio@paf.mil.ph & paf_pio@yahoo.com

                        DATE: June 24,  2009                MAJ GERARDO M ZAMUDIO JR

                                                                Director, PIO

PRESS RELEASE

24  June 2009

PAF HOLDS AIR POWER SYMPOSIUM ‘09

            Undersecretary to Defense Affairs, Hon Antonio C Santos Jr was Keynote Speaker in today’s opening ceremony for Air Power Symposium (APS) ’09  hosted by Air Force Chief Lt Gen Oscar H Rabena AFP. The annual convention is being held for the first time at the Philippine Air Force Aerospace Museum in Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.  The daylong event started at 7:00 o’ clock this morning with the theme “Enhancing Operational Responsiveness Amidst Emerging Challenges and Opportunities”.  AFP Chief of Staff, Gen Victor S Ibrado AFP is Guest of Honor during the Closing Ceremony.

            In 1982, the PAF and the PAF Flying School initiated holding of the first Air Power Symposium with the intention to examine why Philippine Aviation Industry did not develop unlike its ASEAN neighbors. Another one was held in 1984 adopting the theme, “Self Reliance: The Key to the Development of the Philippine Aviation Industry”.  The event was not held until in 1990 when the PAF collaborated with the Philippine Exhibition Services Organization, Inc to hold APS ’90 that highlighted the challenges and prospects of civil aviation and aviation-related activities.  Foreign participants were included in APS’90.

            There had been no conventions until year 2000 and since then it is held annually as part of lined up activities in celebration of the yearly PAF anniversary. 

            Like earlier conventions held, Air Power Symposium ’09 advocates spreading Air Power philosophy and steadfastly campaigns for the use of Air Power for national security and development. Resourced speakers will present and discuss crucial perspectives and standpoints on Air Power.

            The holding of Air Power Symposium ’09 is part of the month-long series of activities that will culminate in a formal program marking the 62^nd Air Force Anniversary on July 1, 2009.

.