PADC is Transferred to DND from Department of Transportation by President Duterte

On the Executive Order 78 signed by President Duterte, Philippine Aerospace Development Corporation (PADC) is effectively transferred and will under the supervision to the Department of National Defense. The order was released on Thursday and was effectively last March 15,2019. The PADC was under by the  Department of Transportation created by former President Ferdinand Marcos in 1973. The PADC is the government's arm assigned for the development of the Philippine aviation industry.

“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 the competitive advantages of Philippine industries,” according to the EO.

resident Duterte cited the need to address emerging and external threats, achieve self-reliance as regards to defense equipment, as well as promoting the transfer of technology from neighboring countries. He also underscored the importance of effective and efficient management of government’s operations agencies together with the coordination of programs and policies in achieving the objectives of the PDP.

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

The major accomplishment of PADC is the assembly of 44 BO-105 helicopters through licensing agreement with Messerschmitt Bolkow Blohm of Germany, 67 BN Islander aircraft through licensing agreement with Pilatus Britten Norman (PBN) of England, and 24 S-211 jet trainers of a joint venture with Agusta / SIAI Marchetti of Italy. Additionally, the PADC continues to do the Inspection Repair of Necessary (IRAN) for the BN Islander Aircraft of the Philippines Navy.