Arroyo pledges more funds for Air Force

Manila: On the occasion of its 61st anniversary, President Gloria Arroyo praised the Philippine Air Force for its contribution to the country during times of disaster.

In ceremonies at the Mactan Air Force Base in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu Central Philippines yesterday, Arroyo gave credence to the country's air arm for moving cargoes and aid to calamity victims whenever and wherever it is needed.

"Coming on the heels of the terrible tragedy left in the wake of the typhoon and the ferry accident, we want to focus attention on the heroism of the members of the Philippine Air Force ... and to pay our respects to the casualties," Arroyo said.

"I have entrusted my life to the Air Force," she said. "Today, of course, we honour not just those who take care of me and my family but we honour those who have risked their own lives to save others," said Arroyo.

The president also said better equipment, more aircraft and better training were underway. "We have strengthened military cooperation with the United States to continuously implement the Philippine Defence Reform Plan, particularly the capability upgrade programme. So, among other things, we expect more skills upgrading programmes for our airmen and other soldiers sponsored by the US, on top, of course, of the hard assets," Arroyo said.

The president said the country is not just relying on the US for modernising the military, but will be purchasing new equipment on its own using money generated from tax reforms implemented by the government.

"We have been able to set aside billions of pesos for the purchase of new helicopters and not just reconditioned ones," Arroyo said.

Hailed during the 1950s as one of the most modern air arms in Southeast Asia, the Philippine Air Force right now is one of the most poorly equipped.