Thank you to our National Defense Secretary, Secretary Gilbert Teodoro for your kind introduction.
[Please take your seats.]
House Speaker, Speaker Martin Romualdez; the National Security Adviser, Secretary Ed Año; the Special Assistant to the President, Secretary Anton Lagdameo; our Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr.; and also all the other Major Service Commanders who are with us today; the officers and members of the Philippine Air Force led by Commanding Lieutenant General Stephen Parreño; our awarded servicemen and other distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen, good morning!
I’m very happy to join the faithful guardians of our aerial domain as we commemorate the 77th Founding Anniversary of the Philippine Air Force.
For over seventy years, our Air Force has soared through the skies as our nation’s wings—gallantly embodying the Filipinos’ enduring spirit of freedom.
On behalf of a grateful nation, I extend my deepest gratitude to the valiant officers and personnel of the Philippine Air Force, as ably commanded by Lieutenant General Stephen Parreño.
Over the past year, we have made significant steps that complement and boost this Administration’s vision for a stronger [and] more capable Air Force.
We have increased our maritime domain awareness by regularly conducting maritime patrol missions [and] monitoring over four hundred unknown tracks within the Philippine Air Defense Identification Zone.
We have likewise supported internal security operations, which have resulted in the surrender and neutralization of over two hundred and fifty members of local insurgency groups.
We have also heightened our international defense and security engagements by sustaining our talks with our foreign military counterparts and participating in multiple bilateral and multilateral military exercises.
This is a testament to our stern resolve to contribute to the global peace and security.
In all of these, the selfless women and men of the Air Force have been nothing short of exemplary, especially in your efforts to provide prompt assistance by regularly conducting humanitarian and disaster response operations.
Under this Administration, we continue to support our Armed Forces through capability development.
Consistent efforts are being done such as acquiring additional air assets; enhancing cyber warfare communication systems; and pursuing base development programs.
We have likewise acquired additional aircraft, as well as advanced radar systems, which have transformed our operational readiness and has enhanced our operational reach.
Indeed, these assets contribute to an agile Air Force—capable of protecting our nation, our people, and our resources; and dedicated to ensure that we are ready to face challenges with advanced precision, speed, and force.
As we celebrate another year of service, I extend my sincerest congratulations to this year’s awardees for your outstanding performance.
As your Commander-in-Chief, I assure you of this Administration’s support in prioritizing your welfare, ensuring that you are well attended to in terms of overall health and wellness so you may perform your duties effectively and safely.
Let it be known that your unparalleled dedication and noble duty to our nation are hereby recognized.
Together, let us fortify our efforts to build a stronger Air Force and Armed Forces of the Philippines that will serve as an instrument for peace and for unity, a catalyst for nation-building, and a vanguard of stability.
Let us move forward now guided by the ideals of a Bagong Pilipinas and remain united in our mission to protect our skies, defend our lands, and serve our countrymen.
Once again, a happy 77th Anniversary to the Philippine Air Force.
Mabuhay ang Hukbong Himpapawid ng Pilipinas!
Mabuhay ang Republika ng Pilipinas! [applause]
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