Marcos confident PAF would continue to be responsive under Parreño leadership

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Tuesday expressed confidence that the Philippine Air Force would continue to be responsive to the needs of the public under its new leadership.

Marcos attended the PAF's change of command ceremony during which Major General Stephen Parreño officially assumed the post of commanding general, replacing Lieutenant General Connor Canlas Sr.

In his speech, Marcos said he hoped Parreño would continue "to strive for honor, for excellence as you fulfill your mandate to our country and to our people."

"I am confident that, under your leadership, the Philippine Air Force will sustain its ongoing initiatives and achieve new heights in responsive service-delivery for the country and for the people," said Marcos.

"Let me also laud the efforts of the valiant men and women of the Air Force for guarding the Philippine aerial domain, for assisting the delivery of basic services to Filipinos, in close collaboration with other government agencies and even private stakeholders," he added.

The President was sure that "we will attain our goal of creating a world-class air force that keeps the peace and contributes to our national development and regional security."

Marcos also said that he was committed to modernizing, not just the PAF, but the entire Philippine military.

"I therefore ask you to remain dedicated to your duties and continue to work closely with this administration as we build a safe, secure, peaceful country for the benefit of all Filipinos," he added.

Meanwhile, Marcos lauded Canlas given that during his tour of duty, "the country saw a Philippine Air Force that is credible and responsive, made possible through intensive modernization efforts; improvement of our integrated air defense system; regular conduct of aerial intelligence and reconnaissance missions; conduct of humanitarian assistance and disaster response; and the launching of Flight Plan 2040."

"I am proud and I am grateful to you, along with the members of the Philippine Air Force and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, for your invaluable efforts to secure our people and our country," Marcos said.

"Lt. General Canlas, I hope that your service to the country over the past years has given you a sense of purpose and fulfillment as a soldier and as a Filipino," he added. — DVM, GMA Integrated News