Regulatory

CAAP welcomes Lt. Gen. Raul del Rosario as new Acting Director General

Former fighter pilot and Clark Airport executive takes helm of civil aviation authority

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The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has officially welcomed retired Lieutenant General Raul del Rosario as its new Acting Director General, expressing full support for his leadership.

Del Rosario brings over four decades of distinguished service to the position, with an extensive background in both aviation and defense. His appointment marks a new chapter for the country’s civil aviation regulator as it continues its modernization efforts.

During the flag-raising ceremony held today, March 3, the new Acting Director General reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring continuity and advancing progress within CAAP.

Newly appointed CAAP Acting Director General Raul del Rosario addresses CAAP staff during his first flag-raising ceremony on March 3, 2025, where he outlined his vision for modernizing the country’s aviation infrastructure and enhancing regulatory processes. (Photo: Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines)

“We will work tirelessly to ensure the continued modernization of our airports and air navigation systems, enhancing operational efficiency and passenger experience,” del Rosario stated during the ceremony.

He further emphasized plans to strengthen regulatory processes, aiming to provide smoother transactions and better services for airline operators and the flying public.

Del Rosario’s impressive career includes several key leadership positions. He previously served as Vice President of the Clark International Airport Corporation and held command positions in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, including Commander of the Western and Central Commands.

Newly appointed CAAP Acting Director General Raul del Rosario (second from right) takes his oath of office before Department of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon (leftmost) alongside other DOTr officials on February 27, 2025. (Photo: Department of Transportation Facebook page)

His educational background includes a master’s degree in Defense Studies from the University of Canberra, Australia, and a bachelor’s degree from the Philippine Military Academy. Throughout his career, he has completed specialized training in Flight Safety Management and Aircraft Accident Investigation.

According to a February 27 Facebook post from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), del Rosario took his oath before Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon on the same day. The oath-taking ceremony included several other newly appointed officials of the transportation department.

Aviation enthusiasts may remember del Rosario as the fighter pilot who first discovered China’s occupation of Mischief Reef in 1994, as reported by SunStar on September 5, 2019. Prior to his CAAP appointment, he also served as administrator of the Office for Transportation Security (OTS).

Outgoing CAAP Director General Captain Manuel Antonio Tamayo (left) stands alongside newly appointed Acting Director General Raul del Rosario (right) who holds the CAAP flag during the official turnover ceremony at the CAAP headquarters on March 3, 2025. (Photo: Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines)

CAAP also extended its deepest gratitude to outgoing Director General Captain Manuel Antonio Tamayo for his exemplary service and leadership, noting that his tenure was marked by unwavering dedication to aviation safety and regulatory excellence.

Written by
Dirk Andrei Salcedo

Dirk is the founder and editor-in-chief of Aviation Updates Philippines (AUP), a platform dedicated to providing the latest news and insights on the aviation industry in the Philippines. With a strong passion for aviation and a background in computer engineering, he manages all aspects of AUP, from website development to content curation.

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