Retired Brigadier General Gerardo M. Zamudio Jr., Director of the PhilSCA Flying School and Chairman of the Philippine Media Network Service Cooperative, delivered an impassioned speech during the flag-raising ceremony of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Air Unit held on July 21, 2025. The event was hosted by the unit’s commander, PCOL Serafin Petallo, a fellow Bicolano of Gen. Zamudio.
In his address, Gen. Zamudio highlighted the transformative leadership of PNP Chief PGen.
Nicolas Torre III, comparing him to a painter who, through reform, is reshaping the image of the police institution marred by past controversies.
“This is the vision that your Chief PNP is painting—not only for the PNP but for every Filipino,” he emphasized.
Zamudio underscored the vital role the PNP Air Unit will play as the Armed Forces of the Philippines pivots to territorial defense, and the internal security mandate is increasingly handed over to the PNP.
He stressed the importance of modernizing the unit’s air capabilities to meet operational demands such as rapid response, tactical mobility, surveillance, and disaster operations.
“The presence of a strong and reliable PNP Air Unit will send a powerful message-not only to criminal elements but also to our citizens that the PNP is ready, capable, and serious about its mandate,” he said.
He then offered the full support of the Philippine State College of Aeronautics (PhilSCA), urging the PNP to consider its Flying School as a future source of well-trained pilots. Zamudio proudly shared that PhilSCA scholars are among the best and brightest in the country, selected through a highly competitive process and molded through academic excellence, ROTC training, and values-based leadership development.
“Our graduates are not just skilled pilots they are professionals with soldierly discipline and deep public service commitment,” he noted, adding that PhilSCA is also preparing to launch its helicopter flying training capability to meet the growing needs of the PNP, Philippine Coast Guard, and other uniformed services.
The event was also attended by media representatives from the Philippine Media Network Service Cooperative, including Director Noche Cacas of DZRH and President of the Southern Metro Manila Press Club; Mr. Ariel Fernandez of the Manila Bulletin and President of the Airport Press Club; Mr. Darwin Fermin of DWIZ; and Ms. Sheerena Dimero of GV FM Batangas, DWDD Manila, and DWGV Pampanga, as well as PhilSCA student leaders and flight instructor Capt. Joseph Lopena,
Zamudio closed his speech by calling on all stakeholders to not only support but take part in fulfilling the evolving national role of the PNP: “Let us not just support the vision. Let us help complete the painting.
