Philippines boosts air assets with 4 new Cessna Skyhawk from US

The Philippines on Thursday received four brand new Cessna 172S Skyhawk Trainer Aircrafts worth $2.2 million from the United States under the US Foreign Military Financing Program.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana represented the country during the turnover, blessing and activation ceremony at Sangley Point, Cavite.

He was joined by US Chargé d’ Affaires Heather Variava and Armed Forces of the Philippines officials led by Chief of Staff General Andres Centino and Navy Flag Officer in Command Vice Admiral Adeluis Bordado.

The new aircrafts will be used by the Philippine Navy Naval Air Wing, the Department of National Defense said.

"As we rejoice over this milestone, we also recognized the productive and enduring relationship between the United States and the Philippines, which is the key to the success of this acquisition program," Lorenzana said in his speech during the ceremony.

Lorenzana said the new aircrafts will improve the Navy's capability to prepare naval pilots for monitoring and safeguarding of the country’s maritime territories and domain.

He also thanked the US for the new air assets and assured the Philippines' continued alliance.

“Your ardent support to the AFP modernization program is very much appreciated and valued not just by the defense and security sector but the entire Filipino nation as well. On our end, rest assured that we are committed more than ever to the alliance,” he said.

“We acknowledge our shared commitment to help preserve the peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region,” the Defense chief said.—Joviland Rita/LDF, GMA News