On October 9, 2025, a remarkable testament to partnership and shared compassion unfolded in the skies. A Philippine Air Force (PAF) C-130 and a Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) C-130 successfully conducted a Low-Cost, Low-Altitude (LCLA) cargo airdrop under the PAF–JASDF Doshin-Bayanihan 5-25 Exercise, a mission that embodied the true essence of its name: “Doshin,” a Japanese word which means unity of heart, and “Bayanihan,” the Filipino spirit of communal cooperation and selfless service.
In this powerful demonstration of solidarity and humanitarian commitment, both air forces jointly airlifted 860 boxes of bottled water to aid the victims of the recent 6.9 magnitude earthquake in Cebu. This vital relief operation was made possible through the invaluable support and coordination of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines Area 8, the Aviation Security Unit 8, the 546th Engineering Battalion of the Philippine Army, and partner agencies from the Office of Civil Defense Regional Office VIII, under the steadfast leadership of Director Lord Byron S. Torrecarion.
Through this exercise, the Philippine Air Force seized not only a valuable training opportunity to strengthen interoperability and partnership with Japan, but also a meaningful chance to deliver real and immediate assistance to those affected by calamity, proving that collaboration in the skies can bring hope on the ground.
Through the dynamic leadership of COL ALEXON B RAMOS PAF (GSC), Group Commander, Tactical Operations Group 8, TOWCEN, this mission stands as a shining symbol of unity, compassion, and cooperation values shared by both nations and reflected in every drop of aid delivered.
One sky. Two nations.
One heart. A shared mission!
Doshin-Bayanihan lives on. (PR)
