Duterte transfers Philippine Aerospace Development Corporation to DND

President Rodrigo Duterte has transferred the supervision of the Philippine Aerospace Development Corporation (PADC) from the Department of Transportation to the Department of National Defense, according to an order released by his office on Thursday.

PADC’s transfer to the DND is effective immediately based on Executive Order 78 signed by the President on March 15.

“To ensure the attainment of the relevant objectives of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022 and maximize the national utility of the aviation and aerospace industry, the policies, programs and activities of the PADC shall be coordinated with the DND,” the order stated.

The aerospace sector is one of the industry priorities under the PDP “in view of the emerging local industry and its capability to leverage on the competitive advantages of Philippine industries,” according to the EO.

Duterte cited the need to address emerging and external threats, achieve self-reliance as regards defense equipment, and promote the transfer of technology from neighboring countries.

He then underscored the importance of effective and efficient management of operations of government agencies as well as coordination of programs and policies in achieving the objectives of the PDP.

Created by then-President Ferdinand Marcos in 1973, the PADC is the government’s arm for the development of the Philippine aviation industry.

The state-run firm is empowered to engage in the design, manufacture and sale of all forms of aircraft and aerospace devices, equipment or contraptions as well as to develop local capabilities in the maintenance, repair and modification of aviation equipment.

Its major accomplishments include the assembly of 44 BO-105 helicopters through licensing agreement with Messerchemitt Bolkow Blohm of  Germany, 67 BN Islander aircraft through a licensing agreement with Pilatus Britten Norman (PBN) of England and 24 S-211 jet trainers through ajoint venture with Agusta /SIAI Marchetti of Italy.

The PADC also continues to do the Inspection Repair as Necessary (IRAN) for the BN Islander Aircraft of the Philippine Navy. —KBK, GMA News