PAF's Pre-Anniversary Activity
By Hazel F. Gloria
LAPU-LAPU CITY, MAY 13 (PIA) -- The Philippine Air Force Team cheers orphans, deaf-mutes and some military dependents at Brigadier General Benito N Ebuen Air Base (BGBNEAB) kiddies park by giving them free school bags, open food, games and more yesterday.
This was a pre-celebration of PAF's 65th Founding Anniversary and a project of Maj. Gen. Lauro Catalino dela Cruz. It aims to foster good relationship between the PAF personnel, their children dependents and selected orphans in the community with the theme," Handog Saya sa Kabataan, Dulot ay Pag-asa ng Bayan."
The PAF selected the beneficiaries thoroughly and among the chosen beneficiaries were from Christ Faith Childrens Home and Naga Special Education Center.
"This is a simultaneous activity with Manila PAF," said Major Reynaldo D. Gabinete PAF 2nd Air Division PIO.
Different units in the Visayas cooperated in the activity. They include 2nd Air Division, 560 Air Base Wing, Hukbong Himpapawid ng Pilipinas, Tactical Helicopter Wing PAF, 220 Airlift Wing. Representatives of these units decided to wear civilian for they might intimidate the participating children.
"Last year's pre-anniversary activities were purely in Manila. Air force realized na mas maraming less privilege sa mga probinsya. At instead sa mga sundalo ibinigay, sa mga bata na lang at mga less fortunate.", said fomer PIO LTC Dennis Antenor Cruz PAF.
Around 30 plus deaf-mutes from Naga Special Education Center were provided free transportation by the PAF through its own service.
John Paul Ecarma Maunes, program manager in Gualandi Volunteer Service Programme, Inc said the activity helps deaf-mutes enjoy their life, experience humanity, promotes protection and education, and experience equal opportunity to others.
He explained that 1 out 3 deaf children is abused. So, this interaction with the other children may help them out to discrimination.
PAF became a separate military service on July 1, 1947, when President Manuel Roxas issued Executive Order No. 94. This order created the Philippine Naval Patrol and the Air Force as equal branches of the Philippine Army and the Philippine Constabulary.(mbcn/hfg/PIA-RO7/ & Mayette Baring, CNU Intern)