PAF to continue mission to protect, serve people

CLARK FREEPORT — A high-ranking military official here said the Philippine Air Force PAF is committed to serve and protect the people and the country.

Brigadier General Werner M. Elpedes, wing commander of the 600th Air Base Wing, disclosed this during the PAF unit’s 24th founding anniversary on February 15.

Elpedes during his speech said that the 600th ABW has implemented several civic programs, acquired response vehicles, responded to rescue operations and ot her s.

Major General Enrique C. Reyes, commander of the First Air Division in Clark acted as guest of honor and speaker during the event.

Also present during the occasion were Major General Contado V. Para, Vice Commander of the First Air Division and Major General Ruben A. Carandang, Air Force Inspector General.

This wing’s 2017 anniversary was themed ABW@24: Aiming High to Render Excellent Base Services for the PAF and the Nation towards a Jointly Engage Transforming Force for Greater Peace and Security”.

Highlighted during the anniversary celebration was the awarding of outstanding units and personnel for CY2017: 1309th Dental Dispensary (Group of the Year), 6012th Base Operations Squadron (Squadron of the Year), Maj Teresita Nabua MC(Officer of the Year), SSg Mark Anthony Agana (NCO of the Year), A2C Edward Aguila (Airman of the Year), Dr Elisa Palaganas (Civilian Employee of the Year).

Plaques of appreciation were also presented to the following civilian partners who supported and participated during the conduct of Civilian-Military activities which contributed in the accomplishment of the wing’s mandated mission.

The awardees included the Mabalacat City MultiSectoral Alliance, Psalm 1 Victory Foundation, Rotary Club of Angeles City Skytown, Paradise Ranch Clark Nature and Conservation Park, ACDI Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Clark Branch), Mabalacat City General Services Office, Gina Y. Datan and SM City Clark.

The Wing has played a vital role in various major activities in Clark Air Base such as the 20th Philippine Hot Air Balloon Festival, APEC Summit, National Earthquake Drill, Balikatan 2016 and the 69th PAF Anniversary wherein the President Rodrigo R. Duterte was the guest of honor. Also, it has supported several national development activities within Angeles City and Mabalacat City such as medical and dental missions, tree planting activities and orphanage outreach activities.

First Lieutenant Julimar Romero, public information officer of the wing, said that the mission of 600th Air Base Wing is to manage, operate and maintain base security, based-wide services, ceremonial honor and escort and health care services at Clark Air Base.