1. COMMANDING GENERAL
PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE
Villamor Air Base, Pasay City
S ince the 1980’s, the conduct of Air Power Symposium (APS) has become an
integral part of the Philippine Air Force Anniversary celebration. The purpose of the
APS is two-fold: first, the event seeks to promote and elevate air power as a significant
topic in the national security discourse; and second, through the APS, the PAF hopes
to gain a wider constituency that would relentlessly support its current strategies and
future plans. Recognizing that threats and vulnerabilities can also be non-military in
nature, this year’s theme, “Mobilizing Air Power for the Nation’s Multi-Dimensional
Challenges”, intends to ascertain the approaches, challenges and opportunities faced
by Philippine air power as we respond to various issues and concerns in a complex
and multifaceted security environment.
APS 2012 shall feature an academic forum where notable subject-matter experts and distinguished individuals shall
discuss and react on topics that range from investing in air power capabilities for effective humanitarian assistance and
disaster response to developing an air power culture in the country. However, I am proud to say that for this year, the
PAF has endeavored to be innovative by adopting a TED-talks inspired format. We are also featuring the first Youth Leader
Exchange for Air Power (Youth LEAP) activity, an air power orientation for young leaders picked from different parts of
the country. Our aim here is to involve the youth sector in the discourse on air power and nurture the seeds of air power
advocacy. Thru the Youth LEAP, we hope to form a corps of young air power ambassadors who will radiate our service
tradition.
I commend the men and women of the PAF for their remarkable commitment to the success of APS 2012. I would
also like to express my gratitude to our friends and partners from various sectors for their involvement and unwavering
support to the PAF. The outcome of this important event shall definitely provide the PAF valuable inputs in developing the
appropriate strategies, mobilizing the required resources and implementing the vital reforms in order to address the various
security challenges faced by our country.
Maraming salamat po at mabuhay tayong lahat!
LAURO CATALINO G DELA CRUZ
Lieutenant General AFP
Commanding General