The Philippine Air Force Flying School held its 47th Alumni Homecoming dubbed as “Balik Fernando 2016” with a theme “PAFFSAAI @ 47: One Air Force Family for the Filipino People, United towards greater peace and security” today, April 23, 2016 at Air Education and Training Command, Fernando Air Base, Lipa City, Batangas.
About 500 members composed of active and retired military officers of the PAF Flying School Alumni Association Incorporated from Class 1966 up to present attended the celebration.
Balik Fernando 2016 celebration was highlighted by the donning of the golden and silver medallions to the Jubilarians together with their ladies and loved ones and awarding of the outstanding alumni of the PAF Flying School that includes the achiever and golden aviator awards.
In recognition, the PAFFS Class of 1991 was named as the Silver Jubilarians for their 25 years of being aviators of the Filipino people while the PAFFS Class of 1966, the main celebrants of this year’s homecoming, was hailed as the Golden Jubilarians for their 50 glorious years of being aviators. Col. Ernesto Padilla PAF Ret of Class 1966 is the oldest alumnus present during the ceremony while 2lt Eric Joe Gregorie Pelagio PAF is the youngest.
Part of the program is the school’s cherished tradition, the annual alumni homecoming parade that allows all military aviators from different places throughout the archipelago to converge at Fernando Air Base and be given the honor and privilege of trooping the long blue line of AETC mentors. Reminiscing the time, where once in their youthful years, they earned their wings, defied gravity, conquered the skies and served our Motherland.
The Commanding General, PAF, Lt Gen Edgar R Fallorina AFP graced the celebration, giving words of encouragement to the PAFFS Alumni, saying that as they face another year of far greater challenges, may they all rededicate their energies to pray, dream and do what’s best for the Air Force, for fellowmen and country. He also prayed for the safety and victorious flight of all pilots, airmen and airwomen.
Lt Gen Fallorina also received an achiever award for having been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General and outstanding alumnus award for his outstanding achievement as the 34th Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force.
Photo By: TSg Bruna, TSg Mohammad and A1C Yupangco PAF
