Change - a Natural Phenomenon

Amenities…
 

            Thank your very much COL DONILA for that eloquent introduction. I almost forgot myself and asked if I were really the one being introduced. Of couse, COL DONILA knows a lot about me. We’ve been together since we graduated, or even before we graduated at PMA We already knew each other.

On a more serious tone, let me express my profound gladness as I cast my eyes upon this assembly, and that pride and honor embellish my humble presence among your midst on this ceremonial gathering. For today, I have set my foot and casted my shadow closer to the place where the grandeur of the Philippine Air Force is dominantly celebrated. It is here where the PAF greatly defines the meaning of its noble calling and existence in the context of service to God and country. And it is here where I could closely hear the pounding of your hearts and beat of your pulses as you all continue to perform your mandates.

Today marks the 28th day of my stint as the 31st Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force. And as we bear witness to a well cherished military tradition, today’s turn-over ceremony will be the second of its kind in the days where my leadership is kept on close watch. I would not like to think that this ceremony depicts an end. Rather, I would like ponder on it as a beginning. It is part of the paradigm of transition and the movement begins when the still waters become disturbed by a drop of change creating beautifully crafted ripples resembling the great opportunities and positions that are being opened for individual advancement which when taken collectively greatly contribute to the heralded endeavors of the Philippine Air Force.

Change has indeed become man’s constant partner in life. Seemingly, I may appear as the mastermind in all these changes, but lo and behold, such circumstances are but by-products of consequences of plans and actions conceived built upon the foundation of stability and nobility of purpose. And all these scenarios unfurl to comprise the play performed above the stage directed by God. There is always a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven (Eccl 3:1).

And maybe we, witnesses, to what the unit has become after a little over six (6) months under the helm of BGEN FERRER. Indeed, of what he has reported in his Tour of Duty report, he has proven that we can do a lot with less – less resources and even less time. Many times Support Units in the likes of the 530th ABW are seldom taken into the limelight and regarded with glamour and prestige, but let us be keen in recognizing that their presence is just as important as the fighting tactical units of the Philippine Air Force. A great flight begins at the ground – thus, before we can put our planes in the skies, we should keep our bases in great shape. This is actually the business of our support units. A task easier said than done. Maintaining and keeping up with the demands in our workplace and in our sanctuary is not as simple as reciting the alphabet, especially if the base under your care is situated in an area where our all enemies are constantly contrast.  This in itself is a great challenge where most of its weight is carried upon the shoulders of the one behind the helm and BGEN FERRER has done well enough. He has kept the unit in good hands all the time. On this note, I would like to extend the warm congratulatory greeting of the entire Philippine Air Force to BGEN FERRER for a term well-served and for such a commendable feat. Palakpakan natin si General Ferrer. You have done much and you can do even more, but we also know that your service and expertise is much more needed at a higher level with greater magnitude. And so we had to let you go.

            To COL DONILA, you will be inheriting a healthy unit, make it grow even more and keep it healthy at all times. I have known you for a long time and I believe in your capability and leadership, and I know you can duplicate or even surpass the accomplishments of your predecessor. As he said, the task of finishing the unfinished business of being the Air Force  Model Base of the Year has rest on your shoulders. They are watching over you. Your position as the Deputy Commander of the Air Education Training Command, here in the past, will give you the advantage of knowing the circumstances, knowing the people, and knowing the unit. With the command behind you together with your sound leadership and management skills, we will never go wrong.

            To BGEN FERRER and COL DONILA, we will all be praying for you as you raise your sails and begin another route of your journey in life. Let me just share with you something I have kept throughout my life that kept me moving on despite the ups and downs – “Just trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge God, and he will make your paths straight.” It has worked with me, and so with you also. Try it and see how it will work for you.

            To the men and women of 530TH ABW, sailing the vast oceans and seas with a big ship will not go anywhere with only the captain of the ship working it out. It takes multiple efforts taken as one to take the big ship off shore towards its destined course. As we sail onwards, all of you should be on the look out on all sides of the ship having one common thought, that whatever happens to the ship, you are part of it and you are with it. Give the same support and cooperation you gave to BGEN FERRER to COL DONILA or you can exert even more in order to gain greater heights.

Earlier, I have mentioned to you the thrusts of the Commanding General, which is first and foremost, institutionalizing the Air Force core values and that is, Integrity, Service, Teamwork, Excellence and Professionalism. Or in short, In-STEP. We should therefore keep InSTEP as we all march to the beat attuned to one common policy of the incumbent leadership of the PAF.

Lastly, what the mind can conceive, the body can achieve. We are now in the middle of the economic recession. Things can get worst or better in the days to come, and we take no excuse from it. But despite this, let us stand firm and shake off the dirt of pessimism and start building greater and larger dreams. And as we build them, let us take them as our motivation and inspiration to work harder towards realization. Wear that positive outlook and confront whatever tomorrow may bring us. Never fear entrusting an unknown future to a known God.

Thank you very much. God Bless the 530th Air Base Wing. God bless the Philippine Air Force. God bless us all!!!