The Philippine Army, through the Office of the Army Chief Historian (OACH), inaugurated a historic plane piloted by the first female military aviator at the Philippine Army Museum Courtyard, Headquarters Philippine Army, Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila on July 27, 2022.
It can be noted that the decommissioned Cessna C-172 Skyhawk Plane, acquired by the Philippine Army in 1986, has become a heritage asset after figuring in historical milestones of the 125-year-old organization. It was the first aircraft used by the Philippine Army in aerial reconnaissance and transport missions in support of counterinsurgency operations. It also served as the Army’s first trainer aircraft wherein the first female military pilot and Army aviator 1st Lieutenant Ramona M. Palabrica had her first flight.
The activity is in line with the OACH’s efforts to preserve the Army’s heritage and history to instill institutional pride in troops and raise public awareness and appreciation of the Army’s rich and noble history.
“Today’s inauguration ceremony is truly a landmark in the history of our headquarters as we welcome the first aircraft to be displayed here at the Philippine Army Museum. With the inclusion of the first aviation asset symbolizing the Aviation Regiment’s air mission accomplishments and the Philippine Army’s aviation heritage, I believe that Cessna C-172 Skyhawk light plane will be an important artifact that will highlight the relevance of aviation services in the Philippine Army,” Acting Chief of Staff Philippine Army Maj. Gen. Roy M. Galido said.
Photos: Staff Sergeant Cesar P. Lopez Philippine Army