File:2023-12-20 PAF ASR.jpg

English: Before the Year ends, the Philippine Air Force marked another significant Milestone with the formal Acceptance, Turnover, and Blessing Ceremony of one (1) FPS-3ME Advance Air Surveillance Radar (ASRS) held on December 20, 2023.

Ribbon Cutting and Blessing of the ASRS Radar Tower and Command and Control (C2) Building started the Morning Event at Wallace Air Station in San Fernando City, La Union. The newly acquired Radar is Part of the Air Surveilance Radar System Acquisition Project with Japan which includes three (3) fixed long-range Surveillance Radars and one (1) Mobile Air Surveillance Radar. This Project is a leap forward in the Philippines' Defense Infrastructure and will bolster the country's Air and Maritime Surveillance, enhancing its readiness and response Mechanisms.

In his remarks, Mr. Nishiwaki Osamu, Assistant Commissioner of Japan’s Ministry of Defense Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics Agency, expressed heartfelt appreciation and respect for all those involved in the acquisition Project and further expressed Japan's commitment to support the build-up of the AFP.

Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. of the Department of National Defense - Philippines, in turn, emphasized the continuous efforts and commitment of the Philippine Government in modernizing and fortifying the Nation's Defense Mechanisms, which will significantly benefit the Country and its Security Landscape.

During the ceremony, Kenichi Matsuda, Chargés d'Affaires ad Interim of Japan, turned over the official Documents of the ASRS to Secretary Gilberto C Teodoro Jr., who then passed it down to LtGen Arthur M Cordura PAF, Vice Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The Documents were then entrusted to LtGen Stephen P Parreño PAF, the Commanding General of the PAF.

LtGen Parreño acknowledged the collective effort involved in acquiring and integrating this vital System into the Air Force. He highlighted its significance in enhancing the Air Force's operational capabilities, ensuring a robust defense posture for the Country.

The said ASRS will be operated and maintained by the 580th Aircraft Control and Warning Wing, led by its Wing Commander, BGen Ronie D Petinglay PAF. The occasion was also graced by the following personalities:

Hon. Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David, Governor of La Union; Vice Admiral D Toribio Adaci Jr. PN, Flag Officer-in-Command, Philippine Navy ;LtGen Fernyl G Buca PAF; Commander, Northern Luzon Command, AFP; MGen Augustine S Malinit PAF, Commander, Air Defense Command; MGen George A Blanco PAF, Commander, Air Logistics Command; Commo Francisco G Ragamolilia, Jr. PA, Commander, Naval Forces, Northern Luzon (NFNL); BGen Ivan DR Papera PN, Chief AFPSEO; PBGen Lou F Evangelista, Director, Police Regional Office (PRO) 1; Capt Ivan E Roldan, Commander of Coast Guard, District North Western Luzon; other officials from the AFP and PNP; among others.