Lipa City, Batangas
9 March 2016
President Benigno S. Aquino III lauded Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado for his commendable services that contributed to the success of operations of the whole Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in a retirement ceremony for the outgoing Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and change of command ceremony at Fernando Air Base in Batangas.
During the ceremony, President Aquino recognized the outgoing commander’s 37 years in the military service, saying that his two years as the Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force was a clear example of true leadership. Lt. Gen. Delgado will be replaced by Lt. Gen Edgar Fallorina as the new commander of the Air Force.
“Hindi lang isang mahusay na pinuno, kundi isa ring barkada ng bayan. Maalaga sa tao, at kung may problem ka tungkol man sa serbisyo o kahit pa personal na buhay, ay talagang napakadaling lapitan,” the President said.
Likewise, President Aquino reported about the AFP Modernization and Capability Upgrade Program, which from July 2010 up to now has been allotted with a total budget of 58.43 billion pesos. The President said that 68 programs under the said program have been completed. These include the purchase of several aircrafts and helicopters like the three C-295 medium lift aircrafts, 18 SF-260TP aircrafts, eight Bell-412 combat utility helicopters and eight AW-109E attack helicopters.
He also mentioned the two additional C-130, which are expected to arrive this year, and the rental of five TC-90 training aircrafts from Japan that will help in patrolling the country’s territories, especially in the West Philippine Sea. According to the President, these are all part of the PAF Flight Plan 2018, which aims to improve the Air Force in guarding the Philippines.
“Sama-sama nating pangalagaan ito; gamitin ninyo ito sa tamang panahon at tumpak na layunin. Isabuhay niyo ang pagiging responsable at propesyunal na kawal. Magtulungan tayo upang maparami pa ang ating mga modernong sasakyan, at sa gayon ay lalong mapatatag ang ating Sandatahang Lakas,” he mentioned.
Nevertheless, President Aquino remained firm in expressing his administration’s support on the further improvement of the Armed Forces, saying everyone has the responsibility to make this happen.
“Tiwala naman ako, sa mga huling yugto ng ating termino, at habang tuluy-tuloy ang inisyatiba natin para patibayin ang buong Sandatahang Lakas, nasa likod ko kayo at higit pa ninyong ipapamalas ang wags na serbisyo sa ating bansa at sa ating mga Boss,” the President expressed.
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