Villamor Air Base, Pasay City
December 19, 2024
“Today, we stand together to honor a leader who has served our nation with unparalleled distinction,” remarked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., expressing profound gratitude for the contributions of former Philippine Air Force (PAF) Commanding General Lieutenant General Stephen Parreño during the Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony.
“Your steadfast commitment to the command thrust ‘Accelerate PAF with Excellence’ has inspired every airman to embrace the ideals of competence, professionalism and responsiveness — values that have guided your every endeavor,” the President underscored in his speech, lauding the numerous achievements of the former PAF Chief.
During his tenure, the PAF logged thousands of flying hours dedicated to external defense and maritime patrol missions, strengthening the country’s territorial integrity and protecting its exclusive economic zone. The Air Force also conducted bilateral and multilateral exercises, enhancing interoperability with foreign partners and reinforcing its credibility on the international stage.
In addressing multifaceted threats, the Air Force carried out intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions — efforts that directly supported the nation’s law enforcement operations. These missions also included rescuing trafficked individuals from exploitation and confiscating millions of pesos’ worth of illegal goods.
“The Air Force has also been a stalwart partner of this Administration in times of crisis, embodying the highest ideals of service,” the Commander-in-Chief stated, adding that Lt. Gen. Parreño led humanitarian assistance and disaster response missions, including the transport of millions of pounds of essential supplies and the conduct of aeromedical operations.
He also spearheaded thousands of civil-military operations, advancing environmental sustainability and public health, thereby reaffirming the PAF’s role as a vital pillar of national development. Furthermore, under his leadership, the Air Force made significant strides in capability enhancement through the acquisition of air assets, increasing the country’s readiness to confront evolving challenges.
“These accomplishments are a testament to your vision, diligence and unyielding commitment to the mission at hand. After 37 years of dedicated service to our nation, you pass on a legacy that embodies excellence and inspires the next generation of leaders to build upon the foundations that you have laid,” President Marcos Jr. expressed.
Succeeding Lt. Gen. Parreño is Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura as the 40th PAF Commanding General. The President expressed optimism about Lt. Gen. Cordura’s leadership that will guide the Air Force toward becoming a more agile, credible and responsive institution amid the evolving security landscape.
“To the men and women of the Philippine Air Force, your service is a source of immense pride for our country. Under this new leadership, may you continue to reach even greater heights, embodying the principles of honor, duty, [and ] excellence,” he continued.
“Let us move forward as one, shaping a Bagong Pilipinas where the Philippine Air Force remains a beacon of strength, a protector of the values that we hold dear, and a symbol of hope for our people,” President Marcos Jr. concluded in his message.
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