Serving the Southern frontier for the last 25 years, the 3rd Air Division in Edwin Andrews Air Base, Zamboanga City recently celebrated its Silver Founding Anniversary with the theme: “3rd Air Division: Teamwork, Professionalism And Outstanding Service Geared Towards Peace And Development In Mindanao”.  Air Force Chief Lt Gen Oscar H Rabena was Guest of Honor and Speaker during the formal program, one of the highlights of the celebration marking 25 years of “genuine, dedicated and focused service in Mindanao”.  

Maj Gen Hernanie B Perez, incumbent 3rd Air Division Commander, led the daylong activities. The Pass-in-Review towards the end of the program provided the appropriate time to present the men and women of 3rd Air Division to the visiting Air Force Chief and HPAF staff and other guests. Underscoring the day’s events was the presentation of Individual and group awards to outstanding members of the Wing, including private citizens who contributed to the unit accomplishments.  Lt Gen Rabena, assisted by Maj Gen Perez, presided over the presentation of awards. 

Outstanding Personnel /Unit of the Year Awardees included Maj Pio CGomez (Officer of the Year); SSg Rolando T Brizuela (NCO of the Year); Sgt Ragin F Dela Cruz (AM of the Year), Mr. Leonardo B Decrepito (CE of the Year). The Tactical Operations Squadron Sibutu was named Tactical Operations Squadron of the Year while the 5313rd Base Services Squadron was voted as Service Support Squadron of the Year.

1Lt Apolonio G Pulgar and 1Lt Demetrio V Obispo  were Bronze Cross Medal awardees;  Sgt Jonas D Austria  received the MMM with Bronze spearhead Device; AM Omar-Kamara A Gani was awarded the MMM while MSg Alberto M Sumicad and AW1C Jesusa G Tubao were each presented the Military Commendation Medal.

Special Awardees included 2nd District City Councilor Hon. Lilia M Nuño , Zamboanga ECOZONE Chairman, Mrs. Georgina P Yu and  the Joint Special operations Task Force – Philippines. Plaques of Recognition were presented to each of the Tactical Operations Groups (TOGs) –TOG 9, TOG 10, TOG 11, TOG 12 -  and Tactical Operations Group  Sanga-Sanga. 

The unit’s anniversary  celebration coincided with the blessing of facilities – the Office of D-2, billeting facility for medical officers and the 3rd  AD Headquarters.

On its 25th year, the 3rd Air Division remains  to be Mindanao’s bright spot, unfazed with volatile situation and pressing realities concerning peace and development  in Mindanao.  The unit has shown incredible tenacity not only in carrying out mandated mission but greatly contributed to the positive image of the PAF in Mindanao. Twenty-five years of turning  adversities into opportunities is indeed worth celebrating.