EFFORTS to create a separate aviation unit for the Armed Forces date back to the year 1935 when, on January 2, the Philippine Constabulary Air Corps (PCAC) was organized to lend reconnaissance support to the Philippine Constabulary’s peace and order missions. On December 23, 1935, the Philippine Commonwealth legislature passed the National Defense Act, which provided for the creation of the Philippine Army. With the 6,000-strong Constabulary forming the nucleus of the Army, the PCAC became the Philippine Army Air Corps (PAAC).
Over the next six years, the PAAC concentrated on training pilots and acquiring aircraft and facilities. Flight instructors provided quality training to both Filipinos and Americans. One prominent pupil was Lieutenant Dwight Eisenhower, who took special flying lessons during his Philippine tour of duty as part of the staff of Gen. Douglas MacArthur.
Shortly before the war broke out in 1941, the PAAC was inducted into the United States Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFFE). By then, the Corps had 142 pilots, 1,700 enlisted men, and four airfields: Zablan (now Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City), Maniquis (Nueva Ecija), Batangas, and Lahug (Cebu). It was from the Batangas Squadron of the PAAC, that our gallant pilots defended the nation in World War II. The 6th Pursuit Squadron of the PAAC, led by Captain Jesus Villamor, engaged the attacking Japanese air force and successfully stalled offensive in spite of inferior equipment and firepower.
On July 1, 1947 – following American recognition of Philippine independence on July 4, 1946 – the PCAC became the Philippine Air Force (PAF). Operationally and administratively independent of the Philippine Army, the PAF was now a major command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Over the years, the PAF has continued to exhibit the gallantry and dedication to service of those who founded and developed it into the fighting force that it is today.
The high state of morale and discipline of the men and women is evident in the manner in which the general public regards the Airman. Programs geared to reaching out to common folk in marginalized areas of the country have been successful. People appreciate the airmen in their untiring efforts at community work, saving lives, and protecting and guarding the peace.
We congratulate the officers and personnel of the Philippine Air Force on the occasion of their 57th Anniversary.
