Historic first: U.S. Air Force Reserve welcomes PAF delegation for workshop

A delegation from the Philippine Air Force concluded a historic two-day public affairs workshop at Buckley Space Force Base, marking a further strengthening of the alliance and growing interoperability between the Philippine and U.S. militaries.

The engagement, which began 18 February, was hosted by the U.S. Air Force Reserve Command. It represented the first time a Philippine delegation has participated in an official professional workshop held within a U.S. Space Force installation.

The PAF delegation consists of Col. Ma Christina Basco, chief of the Air Force Public Affairs Office and five other active and reserve personnel, including Philippine Air Force Reserve (PAFR), Col. Michael Romero.

Romero described the workshop as a timely and insightful platform for exchanging best practices in strategic communication, media engagement, and crisis management.

He stressed that such engagements enhance the professional capabilities of Philippine Air Force reservists while reinforcing defense partnerships with key global allies.

The bilateral event was organized under the leadership of PAF Commanding General Lt. Gen. Arthur M. Cordura in coordination with U.S. Air Force counterparts.

Officials said the workshop was designed to strengthen institutional capabilities and reinforce cooperation between the allied reserve forces.

The Philippine delegation also included Lt. Col. Paulino Antonio T. Lomoljo, commanding officer of the 8th Air Force Reserve Center; Lt. Col. Floreto I. Solano, officer-in-charge of the 3rd Air Force Wing Reserve; Lt. Col. Joseph Bitangcur, director for public affairs under the Office of the Assistant Chief of Air Staff for Civil-Military Operations; and Sgt. Kenneth A. Madali.

The workshop underscores the enduring alliance between the two nations as they continue to align strategic communication efforts and military readiness in the Pacific region.