Press Release
November 8, 2009

With RP set to become Asia's top pilot training ground
ANGARA SUPPORTS ESTABLISHMENT
OF PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE ACADEMY

With the Philippines set to become Asia's top destination for pilot training, Senator Edgardo J. Angara today pushed for the creation of the Philippine Air Force Academy (PAFA) to fill up the gap left by the current Philippine Air Force Flying School (PAFFS) which is unable to cope with the growing number of students.

"Not only will this improve the facilities for training, but it will also provide a wider chance for those willing to serve their country through the Air Force," said Angara who authored the PAFA Bill.

He added, "The improvement of the regular officer delivery system of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) is a long-felt need in the military establishment. The PAF Flying Schools (PAFFS), which is at present, the main source of regular officers in the PAF can no longer cope with the required number and proper training of officer pilots for the PAF because of inadequate facilities and logistical support."

Angara emphasized that since a college degree is an academic requirement for entrance into the PAFFS, thousands of our gifted high school graduates are denied the opportunity of serving our country through the PAF simply because they are unable to obtain financial support for a college education. He said that, "the creation of Philippine Air Force Academy (PAFA) is a response to this problem in line with the constitutional mandate of guaranteeing equal access of opportunity for public service."

SB 886, which Angara filed, proposes that the Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force shall organize and administer the academy. Moreover, its academic board will compose of Superintendent, Dean of Corps Professors, Cadet Commandant and each department shall have its head for continued close monitoring to ensure a systematic and professionalized system.

All these will be done thru the Department of National Defense form which the PAFA will receive necessary appropriation for the improvement, operation and maintenance.

"The PAF Academy as conceptualized is geared towards making available an adequate and dedicated corps of professional Air Force officers with the proper education, training and orientation to lead and manage the complex technologies in the field of aviation," added Angara.

News Latest News Feed