The Philippine Air Force held a pinning of badge and awarding ceremony to recognize its outstanding personnel during the Flag Raising Ceremony of October 2, 2023, at the HPAF Quadrangle, Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base, Pasay City. The ceremony was presided over by the Commanding General, PAF, LTGEN STEPHEN P PARREÑO PAF. Also present were the HPAF Staff, Unit Commanders, other Officers, Enlisted Personnel, and Civilian Human Resource personnel from CJVAB units.
The following are the recipients of the Civil Military Operations Eligibility Badge:
COLONEL JONATHAN B GASTARDO PAF (MNSA)
COLONEL RIFEIL SANTIAGO G SOTTO PAF (GSC)
MAJ RAJIV B CAPATOY PAF
MSG JOSE VICTOR Y VILLANUEVA PAF
TSG JONATHAN F ERSANDO PAF
SGT JARED ALEXIS B BATARA PAF
Meanwhile, Plaques of Recognition were also awarded to LTC JUNIUS N ZULUETA PAF in recognition of his Academic excellence Award in Post-Graduate Studies at Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia; and MSg Ma. Ailene A Padrones PAF, coach PAF Dragon Boat Team, for bagging Championship in the recently held 2023 Shanghai International Chinese Dragon Boat Invitational Tournament in China.
In his remarks, the Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force (CG, PAF), LTGEN STEPHEN P PARREÑO PAF, highlighted two lines from the Philippine National Anthem: "Sa manlulupig, di ka pasisiil..." ("To the oppressor, you will never be subdued") and "Ang mamatay ng dahil sayo" ("To die for you"). He said that these words capture the very core of the spirit of the men and women of the Air Force, and of Filipinos as a whole.
The CG, PAF also praised the awardees for their dedication and perseverance, saying that their achievements are indicators of the PAF's ongoing pursuit for excellence.
