An air force base / Dale L. Apura

Includes bibliographical references.

Letter of endorsement -- Jury's approval sheet -- Acknowledgment -- Dedication -- Chapter 1. Introduction -- Chapter 2. Terms of reference -- Chapter 3. Methodology -- Chapter 4. Design framework -- Chapter 5. Analysis -- Chapter 6. Conclusion

The Philippines is an archipelagic country, which comprises of 7, 103 islands. The protection of which is vital to ensure its economic stability, sovereignty and the well being of its inhabitants. The Philippine Air Force plays a major role in the defense of our nation. Unfortunately, we all know that our air force lags far behind in contrast to our ASEAN neighbors, who are equipped with more modern warplanes and facilities. It is really quite an irony for a country that has the first organized air force in South East Asia, since World War I to be late in the modernization of its air force. Not to mention, the legendary reputation it carried in the ranks of Villamor and the Blue Diamonds, which has preceded this branch of the armed forces, However, it is sad to hear that our air force, is being branded to be as; "full of air-no force"- air force. Political unrest and corruption in the past governments should be blamed for the deterioration of our air forces. The Philippines relied heavily under the wings of the United States of America for 50 years. America, aside from the presence of its bases, has benevolently provided us with their scraps and leftovers, that out of pure Filipino ingenuity, we are still able to fly vintage Tora-Toras and Vietnam era Huey helicopters that were dubbed by their soldiers as the flying coffins. After the U.S. forces left our islands in 1991, our country has felt its vulnerability from the numerous threats that could be considered as clear and present danger to our national security. The Spratlys, Insurgency problem, Piracy and Human smuggling within our territory are the major pains that our country has to contend with. Our air force in this context plays a very important role in the preservation and protection of our State. These incidents and after numerous accidents that has killed many of our airmen due to obsolete and hardly maintainable planes made the government realized the need for rehabilitation and modernization of our air force. The AFP Modernization Bill that has been passed by the congress gives a lion's share to both our Air Force and Navy. Upon acquisition of these inventories, their proper protection, maintenance and deployment must be ensured to lengthen serviceability and maximize their strategic and tactical purposes. In this connection, Air Base facilities must suit the upgrading that is to be done into our air force. It is possible that in the years to come air bases will then be constructed to augment the regions that prove to be strategic in location. However, these air bases will be constructed differently in terms of size and facilities. For one, this type of air base will be generally small. Facilities will be tailored to suit the new inventories that will be acquired and additional facilities like air defense system will be installed. In constructing these Mini Air Bases, which involves complex planning site development and building design, it is impossible not to consult the services of Architects. History will prove that architects are always involved in making fortifications and bases, The Great Wall of China, the Medieval Castles of Europe, and the French Maginot Line to name a few are among the great proofs of architectural brilliance to which this thesis is inspired.