President Aquino to grace 67th anniversary of Philippine Air Force

President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the The Outstanding Filipino 2013 Awarding Ceremonies at the Insular Life Auditorium, Insular Life Corporate Center, Filinvest Corporate City in Alabang, Muntinlupa City on Wednesday (January 29). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

MANILA — President Benigno S. Aquino III will grace the celebration of the 67th anniversary of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) in Clark Field, Pampanga on Tuesday.

“The Commander-in-Chief will give thanks to the men and women of the Philippine Air Force, and will speak about additional capability enhancements that the administration is undertaking to enable our uniformed services to effectively meet the challenges of their responsibilities,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said during Monday’s press briefing in Malacanang.

Part of the PAF modernization is the acquisition of 12 FA-50 lead-in fighter trainer jets from South Korea, Lacierda said, adding that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) for the P18.9-billion project.

“With this, we can only expect the PAF to further improve its capacity to carry out its mandate as the ‘First Force,’ not only in times of calamity but also in times of stability,” he said.

Lacierda, meanwhile, noted that Monday marked President Aquino’s fourth year in office.

“Throughout these past years, we have remained focused on the commitments we outlined in our social contract with Filipinos,” he said.

“In the remaining two years of the administration, the President and his team will continue the active pursuit of a Philippines where no one is left behind, capitalizing on the many significant gains we have collectively achieved.”

The Presidential Spokesperson said that inclusive growth for all means sharing the responsibility of nation building.

“We are all reminded that the task of nation building is not left to government alone, and that each of us must put our country above ourselves as we work toward realizing our shared aspiration: a truly just and equitable society,” he added.