Philippine Air Force 3rd Air Division turns 26

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - The Philippine Air Force 3rd Air Division based in Zamboanga City in Mindanao is celebrating its 26th year of service on Wednesday with the theme - 3rd Air Division at 26, Your Air Force In Mindanao: In cadence with In-STEP for Peace and Development.

In-STEP is the Philippine Air Force Core Values which means Integrity, Service above all, Teamwork, Excellence in everything we do, and Professionalism. These define the character of each member of the PAF.

The 3rd Air Division’s newly installed commander Major General Lino Horacio Lapinid will lead the unit in celebrating its anniversary at the Edwin Andrews Air Base headquarters.

Philippine Air Force chief Lieutenant General Oscar Rabena is the guest of honor and speaker in the celebration which will kick off a series of activities lined up to highlight the anniversary. These activities which started on February 23 will culminate on April 7.

Lapinid on Saturday led soldiers in “Biking towards an Honest, Orderly, and Peaceful Election” in San Ramon village. The activity was also joined by contingents from the Philippine National Police, Western Mindanao Command and Joint Task Force Zamboanga and civilian cyclists as part of the military’s advocacy for credible elections on May.

A Retirees Day is also scheduled on Monday at the Edwin Andrews Air Base with former Division Commander Major General Vicente Belo as guest of honor and speaker.

On Wednesday, Lapinid will lead the anniversary program, awarding ceremony and parade and review at the air base’s grandstand. The activity will be highlighted by the naming of the Edwin Andrews Air Base Gymnasium to “Lacson Sports Complex” and the parade ground to “Fabie Fields” in honor of the Major General Mario Butch Lacson, former 3rd Air Division commander, and Colonel Ramon Fabie who perished at a plane crash early this year in Mindanao.

For the finale of the anniversary celebration, a 3rd Air Division Anniversary and Awards Night will be held later in the day at the gymnasium. The anniversary night aims to give entertainment to the organic and non-organic personnel, civilian employees and military dependents, and to give awards to those who won events during the inter-color sports fest. A variety show will highlight the activity.