Clark Air Base, Pampanga
July 3, 2023

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recognized the selfless duty, dedication and sacrifice of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) in defending the skies of the nation for more than seven decades as he graced the PAF’s 76th founding anniversary in a program at the Haribon Hangar of Clark Air Base in Pampanga.

“You have contributed in laying the groundwork for the enhancement of our aerial defense capabilities…As your Commander-in-Chief, I am proud to see the great distance that the PAF has flown to ensure the security and sovereignty of our beloved nation. Your achievements exemplify the values that the PAF stands for: integrity, excellence and patriotism,” the President said in his keynote message.

He lauded the PAF for extending its services beyond conflict, particularly in times of calamities and humanitarian crises, and for supporting the Philippine Army and other law enforcement agencies in upholding national security by combatting internal threats, resulting to safer communities.

“I reiterate that this Administration is committed to strengthening the Armed Forces, including the PAF, through the acquisitions under the AFP Modernization Program…The winds of change signal geopolitical challenges around our region and other parts of the world. The Philippine Air Force maritime air patrol missions are thus essential in upholding our territorial integrity and safeguarding Philippine maritime zones,” the Commander-in-Chief stressed.

Prior to the main program at Clark Air Base, President Marcos Jr. witnessed the Air Force’s capability demonstration of a rescue operation using the PAF’s air assets in targeting enemy forces at Colonel Ernesto Rabina Air Base in Capas, Tarlac.

This year’s founding anniversary is anchored in the theme, ‘PAF@76: Accelerating with Excellence Towards A More Capable, Credible and Sustainable Force.’

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