Thank you for your introduction Senior Undersecretary Jose Faustino Jr. [Please take your seats]

The AFP Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Bartolome Bacarro and the major service commanders; outgoing Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force Lieutenant General Connor Anthony Canlas Sr.  [applause]; the incoming Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force Major General Stephen Parreño [applause]; Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano [applause]; my fellow workers in government; other distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen, a pleasant day to you all. 

It is an honor for me to stand before you today as your Commander-in-Chief, to preside over the Philippine Air Force Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony to commemorate the feats and triumphs of our outgoing Commanding General, Lieutenant General Connor Anthony D. Canlas Sr. and to witness the handover of command to our Incoming Commanding General.

On this occasion, we recognize the accomplishments of the Philippine Air Force under the leadership of Lieutenant General Canlas. We also extend our gratitude to him for establishing a more dependable, and capable air force that protects now our airspace. 

Lt. General Canlas, allow me to extend my gratitude, my congratulations on your successful command as the 38th Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force. 

During your tour of duty, the country saw a Philippine Air Force that is credible and responsive, made possible through intensive modernization efforts; improvement of our integrated air defense system; regular conduct of aerial intelligence and reconnaissance missions; conduct of humanitarian assistance and disaster response; and the launching of Flight Plan 2040. 

I am proud and I am grateful to you, along with the members of the Philippine Air Force and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, for your invaluable efforts to secure our people and our country. 

Lt. General Canlas, I hope that your service to the country over the past years has given you a sense of purpose and fulfillment as a soldier and as a Filipino. 

As you embark on a new journey, remain steadfast in your beliefs and pursue a path that empowers you. 

And finally, may you also spend more time with your friends, your family, who I am certain have longed for more of your time these past few decades. 

At this juncture, allow me to extend my heartfelt congratulations to our 39th Commanding General. 

I am confident that, under your leadership, the Philippine Air Force will sustain its ongoing initiatives and achieve new heights in responsive service-delivery for the country and for the people. Let me also laud the efforts of the valiant men and women of the Air Force for guarding the Philippine aerial domain, for assisting the delivery of basic services to Filipinos, in close collaboration with other government agencies and even private stakeholders. 

I hope that, under the leadership of our newly appointed Commanding General, the Air Force will continue to strive for honor, for excellence as you fulfill your mandate to our country and to our people. 

Through your collective efforts, we will attain our goal of creating a world-class air force that keeps the peace and contributes to our national development and regional security. 

Be assured that this administration remains committed to the modernization of the Philippine Air Force and the entire Armed Forces of the Philippines. 

I therefore ask you to remain dedicated to your duties and continue to work closely with this administration as we build a safe, secure, peaceful country for the benefit of all Filipinos. 

Maraming salamat at mabuhay ang Hukbong Himpapawid at Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas! Maraming salamat po. [applause]

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Watch here: PAF Change of Command Ceremony and Retirement Ceremony

Location:  PAF Multipurpose gymnasium