PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” (BBM) Marcos Jr is expected to grace the celebration of the 75th foundation anniversary of the Philippine Air Force today, the first military affair he is going to attend after assuming the presidency yesterday.
“The activity will be graced by the Commander-in-Chief and President R. Marcos Jr. as guest of honor,” the PAF said in an advisory.
“As of now, we know that he will be attending… It’s (Marcos presence) is physical,” said Air Force spokesman Col. Maynard Mariano.
Mariano could not immediately say when Marcos accepted the Air Force’s invitation to be the guest of honor and speaker during their anniversary, which will be held at Clark Air Base in Pampanga.
“We are grateful that the President accommodated us, that he decided his first engagement with the Armed Forces is with Air Force for our 75th foundation anniversary,” said Mariano.
Mariano said Air Force will showcase some of its aircraft during the anniversary, including fighter jet FA-50s.
“There’s going to be a high-speed opener of the FA-50s and then flyby of our aircraft,” he said.
A number of aircraft were acquired during the six-year administration of President Duterte under the Armed Forces modernization program, including Embraer A-29B Super Tucano light attack aircraft, T129 ATAK attack helicopters, and S-70i Black Hawk helicopters.
Also in the pipeline for acquisition, also under the military’s modernization program, are 12 multi-role fighters. The defense department earlier said about P61.2 billion had been earmarked for the project.
Mariano said another highlight of the anniversary rites is the conferring of awards “for individual personnel and units worthy to receive awards for the year that was.”
The theme the Air Force anniversary celebration this year is “PAF at 75: Patuloy ang Paglipad Tungo sa mas Matatag at Maaasahang Hukbong Himpapawid para sa Diyos, Bayan at Pilipino.“
