The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) officially commenced its 2026 operations with a Flag Raising Ceremony and Courtesy Call at its Central Office. Led by Director General LTGEN Raul L. Del Rosario AFP (Ret), the event served as both a tribute to veteran leadership and a strategic kickoff for the year ahead.
A primary highlight of the ceremony was the conferment of service recognition awards to two outgoing pillars of the Authority. Retiring Area Managers Ronald Estabillo (Area Center 1) and Atty. Rafael A. Tatlonghari (Area Center 7) were honored for their extensive contributions to Philippine aviation.
In an emotional address, Atty. Tatlonghari reflected on a career spanning 35 years, which began on the front lines as an air traffic controller. “Today, I am officially signing off. I am hanging up the headset and handing over the keys,” Tatlonghari remarked, symbolizing the transition of leadership to the next generation of aviation professionals.
Director General Del Rosario closed the proceedings by thanking the CAAP workforce for their dedication during the busy December 2025 holiday season. Looking toward the future, the Director General emphasized a year of organizational growth and “unified purpose.”
The DG’s vision for 2026 focuses on:
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Identity Development: Strengthening CAAP’s role as a premier regulatory agency.
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Value Alignment: Streamlining internal operations to meet long-term national objectives.
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Operational Excellence: Increasing efforts to modernize and secure Philippine airspace.
“Itodo na natin ang ating efforts for 2026!” (Let’s give our all for 2026!) Del Rosario urged, calling for a collective push toward excellence.
As the new year begins, CAAP reaffirms its core mission to provide safe, reliable, and efficient air transport services. The Authority remains steadfast in its commitment to keep the Philippine skies safe for all travelers and stakeholders.
