President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday expressed trust and confidence in the leadership of LtGen. Arthur Cordura who took over as the 40th Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

Cordura, a former AFP Vice Chief of Staff and a member of the Philippine Military Academy Bigkis-Lahi Class of 1990, replaced retiring PAF Chief, LtGen. Stephen Parreño, who officially stepped down from service.

In his speech during the Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony in PAF headquarters in Villamor Airbase, Pasay City, Marcos urged Cordura to guide the air force to become “more agile, credible, and responsive to the demands of an ever-evolving security landscape.”

“The road ahead is not without its challenges, but I am confident that you will rise to meet those challenges,” Marcos told Cordura.

He also highlighted Parreño’s commitment to “Accelerate PAF with Excellence” imbued by the institution’s values of competence, professionalism and responsiveness as he cited Parreño leadership which brought the PAF “to soar to new heights over the past two years.”

“His steadfast commitment to the command thrust Accelerate PAF with Excellence has inspired every airman to embrace the ideals of competence, professionalism, and responsiveness — values that have guided your every endeavor,” Marcos told Parreño.

“The legacy of your leadership is etched in the achievements of the Philippine Air Force under your watch,” he added.

Marcos also recognized Pareño’s leadership in addressing multifaceted threats by carrying out 119 intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions; as well as rescuing 320 trafficked individuals from exploitation, and confiscating illegal goods worth millions of pesos.

Marcos said it was during Parreño’s tenure that significantly marked the capability enhancement of the PAF through the acquisition of one C-295 medium-lift aircraft, two T-129 ATAK helicopters, a mobile radar, a fixed radar, and 10 new S-70i Black Hawk helicopters.

Parreño, the 39th chief of the PAF, held several key positions within the Air Force, including vice commander, chief of air staff, and chief of the PAF Inspector General, among others.

He is a member of PMA ‘Sambisig’ Class of 1991 and graduated as class salutatorian.

Meanwhile, Marcos sees Cordura’s “steadfast leadership,” men and women of the Air Force can “continue embodying the principles of honor, duty, and excellence in achieving greater heights” and ensuring the safety and welfare of Filipinos and the nation.

“These times call for vigilance and for resolve. There is no room for complacency,” he told Cordura.

Marcos also recognized the men and women of the Philippine Air Force, whose service became “a source of immense pride” for the country.

“Under this new leadership, you may continue to reach even greater heights, embodying the principles of honor, duty, and excellence,” he told soldiers.

Before this appointment, Cordura served as the Vice Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and held various critical leadership roles throughout his military career.

He also held several key positions in his military career, including vice commander and chief of air staff of PAF; commander of Air Force Reserve Command; wing commander of the 520th Air Base Wing; deputy commander of the Tactical Operations Command Mindanao; and deputy wing commander of the 520th Air Base Wing. Cordura is a member of the PAF Flying School Class of 1992. He graduated top 3 among 65 student pilots.