The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) today joined the global community in marking International Civil Aviation Day, emphasizing the critical role of air transport in the nation’s sustainable development. The celebration, held under the theme “Safe Skies and a Sustainable Future for All,” reaffirms the Philippines’ commitment to international aviation standards and ICAO’s ambitious 2050 Strategic Plan.
The observance highlighted the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) vision for mid-century, which calls for:
Zero Fatalities
Net-Zero Carbon Emissions
Air Transport for All
Committing to the Future of Flight
CAAP officially marked the occasion during its flag-raising ceremony on December 1, 2025, where the ceremonial raising of the ICAO flags was led by CAAP Director General LTGEN Raul Del Rosario AFP (RET) and the CAAP Service Chiefs.
In his inspiring message, Director General Del Rosario encouraged the CAAP community to recognize the significance of their work: “ICA Day is about recognizing our contribution to the world. Dahil ang aviation, hindi lang tungkol sa paglipad ng eroplano, it’s about linking people, communities, opportunities, and firing up economies, and aviation is truly a very prestigious field and we should be very proud to be part of this sector.”
The celebration also featured a message from ICAO Asia and Pacific Regional Office (ICAO APAC) Regional Director Tao Ma, shared by Flight Standards and Inspectorate Service (FSIS) Chief Capt. Florendo Jose Aquino: “Our vision is clear, a secure and sustainable global aviation system that connects people, cultures and economies for the benefit of all.”
Officially recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in 1996, International Civil Aviation Day, celebrated annually on December 7, serves to increase global awareness of civil aviation’s contribution to the socio-economic progress of Member States.
CAAP remains committed to ICAO’s leadership in fostering a safe, secure, inclusive, and environmentally responsible air transport system, ensuring that the Philippine aviation sector continues to be a driving force for national growth and global connectivity.
