ASoG, PAF AETDC successfully conclude 2nd batch of PAF LEAD Program

On November 28, 2022, the second batch of the Philippine Air Force Leadership Excellence and Development Program (PAF LEAD) successfully concluded the training. Thirty (30) key officers from PAF participated in the 6-week executive training, going through a blend of synchronous sessions and asynchronous learning activities on Strategic Leadership and Critical Thinking, Joint Interagency, Intergovernmental, Civil Military Relations, Multinational Operations and Stakeholder Engagement, and on the Application of Air Power in Mission Areas. 

The program was initially developed in 2021 by the Ateneo School of Government - Executive Education Program and the PAF Aviation Leadership and Excellence Nexus (PAF ALEN). Using the AFP-ASoG Leadership Competency Framework for its main guidance, the PAF LEAD Program is one of the latest innovative training undertakings of the PAF ALEN in its pursuit of leadership development in the PAF. PAF LEAD aims to enhance the competencies of Philippine Air Force Senior Officers in examining the complexity of emerging trends in national defense and how instruments of national power are integrated and utilized in order to attain national military objectives through employment of Air Power and influencing strategic policy changes to benefit the PAF.

ASoG, through Professor of Praxis, RAdm Rommel Jude C. Ong, congratulated the officers who went through the program. With its 5-year partnership with PAF ALEN, ASoG continues to uphold its commitment to produce better and more ethical leaders especially in the security sector in this second run of the PAF LEAD Training Program.

The participating officers shared their testimonials and experiences from the course. LTC Joan P. Dalmacio of the PAF Human Resource Management Center mentioned finding the course essential for leaders like them, as it helped them to see through themselves, to see what is happening around not only within the rigid military world but way beyond this. AFP International Military Affairs Center’s LTC Mark Alen I. Gavilan described it as a nourishing educational experience, while LTC Jerick A. Dollente of the 584th Aircraft Control and Warning Group found the modules to be relevant in their roles as future steerers of PAF and the AFP, and as predecessors of policy-makers. In his testimonial, 3rd ARCen Commanding Officer LTC Richard B. Somera was thankful for the learning opportunity, as their knowledge and skills enhanced through the program may be used not only in their present positions but in future endeavors as well.

ASoG Dean Dr. Philip Arnold P. Tuaño, in his closing message, affirmed the crucial role that the participants and their colleagues in the security sector play, being at the forefront of defending the sovereignty of our country and protecting our democratic way of life and rights of the citizens. He expressed his hope that the discussions would go beyond the training sessions and that the participants be able to apply these to their respective units.

As we are living in a period of uncertainties, Col. Thad Rufino P. Candelario PAF (MNSA), Deputy Commander of the AETDC, mentioned that the PAF LEAD Program has helped senior leaders seek certainty, as this gives confidence in the decisions and actions to be undertaken. He expressed his sincerest gratitude to ASoG, with its exceedingly beneficial alliance with PAF ALEN, for the program’s efforts to make meaningful and significant impact towards lasting peace and sustained progress of our country. Through the 30 participants who are committed to become better strategic leaders of the Philippine Air Force, it is their collective hope that they all be reminded of their commitment greater than the self in providing prompt and resolute service to the people, demonstrating profound understanding of unity and togetherness emphasizing collective responsibility to our nation.

For inquiries about customized training programs, you may contact the ASoG Executive Education Program via email address execed.asog@ateneo.edu.