TACLOBAN CITY – Bringing services closer is not just about emergency response, it is also about fostering understanding, public awareness and connection. The Philippine Air Force in Eastern Visayas showcased their capability in a mall exhibit in Tacloban City, aiming to educate the public about its mission and capabilities.
The displays showed aircraft models, search-and-rescue equipment, and interactive flight simulators, allowing ordinary citizens to see up close what it takes to protect and serve the nation.
Col. Alexon B. Ramos, Group Commander of the Tactical Operation Group 8 of the Tactical Operations Wing Central, emphasized PAF’s commitment to national defense and community engagement.
In Eastern Visayas the PAF has been recognized to provide timely responses to natural disasters, deploying its highly trained personnel and assets directly into the service of communities in need.
In a message, Office of the Civil Defense 8 Director Lord Byron Torrecarion said the Philippine Air Force in the region has time and again conducted rapid damage assessments during disaster response operations and delivered critical relief goods to isolated communities, proving that their service extends beyond the battlefield.
The 3-day mall exhibit showed PAF’s air defense capabilities covering combat support operations, aviation and maritime domain awareness, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response capabilities.
Interactive equipment stations were also featured to provide hands-on engagement, giving mall-goers a closer look at the Air Force’s cutting-edge technology and mission readiness.
One of the events highlights a live demonstration by the PAF Special Operations Team’s K-9 Unit, where a trained detection dog showcased its rapid ability to identify explosives with the help of volunteer mall-goers. A career booth was also available which offered information on opportunities for PAF Officers, Enlisted Personnel, Civilian Human Resources, and Reservists.
Adding excitement and energy to the event, the PAF mascots, Captain Aguila and Captain Bagwis, made special appearances, spreading joy and interacting with visitors during the inauguration.
Today’s Philippine Air Force is more than just guardian of the skies — it is a force that touches lives on the ground. Through every helicopter airlift during a typhoon, every medical camp in a remote town, and every community engagement, the PAF brings the spirit of service closer to every Filipino.
As they celebrate their 78th anniversary on July 1, 2025, the Philippine Air Force’s message is clear: they are not just defenders of the nation’s skies — they are partners in building a stronger, healthier, and more resilient Philippines.
(AHLETTE C.REYES,PIA-8)
