The runway of the Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga can now cater to bigger and heavier aircraft after the completion of its rehabilitation under the existing agreement between the Philippines and the United States.
Philippine Air Force spokesperson Col. Consuelo Castillo said the runway rehabilitation is by far the largest project under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement between Manila and Washington, amounting to P1.3 billion.
"After less than a year of rehabilitation, with reinforced pavement and improved structural integrity, the runway is now ready to accommodate larger and heavier aircraft, such as the PAF's cargo planes," she said.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. along with US Deputy Chief of Mission to the Philippines Robert Ewing as well as other US government officials, local government agencies and project contractors, graced the dedication ceremony at Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga on Monday.
The ribbon-cutting and blessing of the runway were followed by a low-pass flyby of four FA-50PH aircraft.
Castillo said the more improved runway could ensure conditions for training and operations of aircraft, especially during disaster and emergency response efforts.