By Brian Campued
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered the Air Education and Training Command (AETC) of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) to ensure that the quality of courses and training provided to its personnel are aligned with the goals of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The President made the directive during his talk with the AETC at the Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, Batangas following the inauguration of the Veterans Access to Lifetime Optimized Healthcare (VALOR) Clinic on Friday, Malacañang said.
“Nais din ng Pangulo na panatilihing mataas ang kalidad ng programa at siguraduhin na natatapos ng bawat estudyante ang kanilang pagsasanay,” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing.
“Ang Philippine Air Force naman, palawigin pa ang pakikipag-ugnayan sa AETC upang masiguro ang mga kagamitan at iba pang pangangailangan ay matugunan.”
Based on government data, about 15,000 students have been trained by the AETC from 2019–2024.
“Nakasalalay pa sa AETC ang tagumpay at ligtas na pagtupad sa bawat misyon ng ating kasundaluhan. Sa tulong ninyo ay mas lalong natututo ang mga sundalo at estudyante para sa mas magaling na paglilingkod sa Philippine Air Force,” Castro stressed.
Marcos also expressed his gratitude to PAF personnel, highlighting the Air Force’s vital role in protecting the country’s sovereign rights and territorial integrity.
“Aniya, walang katumbas ang papel ng Philippine Air Force sa mga hamon ng seguridad na kinakaharap ng ating bansa. Binigyang-diin ng Pangulo ang kahalagahan ng suporta ng Puwersang Panghimpapawid sa buhay, lakas at pag-asa ng ating Philippine Navy at Philippine Army sa gitna ng laban,” the Palace press briefer said.
In a PCO news release, the President likewise reaffirmed his full support to the PAF, emphasizing the government’s commitment to modernization by providing the troops with best equipment, training, and health facilities.
“We must continue to make sure that our troops, our airmen, our pilots, our staff, are all supported properly so you can do your jobs properly. And rest assured that this is not only for now, na minsanan lang ito. Ito ay tuloy-tuloy dahil ang hinaharap natin ay hindi naman mawawalang bigla ‘yan,” Marcos said.
Following his speech, the Chief Executive also received a “balispada” (balisong na espada) as a token of appreciation.
-jpv
