ANGARA SEEKS CREATION OF PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE ACADEMY

To supply the country's growing needs for qualified professionals especially in the Armed Forces, Senator Edgardo J. Angara recently filed a bill creating an educational institution specifically for the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

Senate Bill No. 2809 seeks to establish the Philippine Air Force Academy or PAFA, for the instruction and training of the Aviation Cadets for military service.

"Unfortunately, the PAF Flying School can no longer cope with the required number and proper training of officer pilots for the Air Force because of inadequate facilities and logistical support. The creation of this academy would answer this need," explained Angara.

The PAFA curriculum consists of an intensive 15-month program based on the entry of students from colleges and universities throughout the country. Graduates from this academy would be commissioned as regular officers of the Air Force.

According to Angara, chair of the Senate Committee on Education, Culture and Arts, the creation of the PAFA was proposed to provide the education in the highly specialized career fields needed by the Air Force.

"We also see the need to professionalize career trades such as aircraft maintenance, avionics and air logistics which would greatly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the local air force," he said.

Further, the initial allocation can be kept to a minimum because the existing infrastructure which would be converted into the PAFA.

"Barracks, dorms, office buildings, classrooms and other facilities with the necessary equipment in the Fernando Air Base may be transferred to the academy. This means that the present funding of the PAF is enough to start and operate the academy," he said.