The Philippine Army Aviation Regiment has conferred its insignia wings on Air Force reservist Colonel Michael Odylon L. Romero—also a sports patron and world-ranked polo player—making the former Deputy Speaker the first awardee of the distinction from outside the Army unit.
The conferment was approved by Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, Commanding General of the Philippine Army, and was formally presented by Col. Richard Servito, commander of the PAAR.
Romero, a Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP)-rated helicopter pilot, is also known for his strong involvement in sports as a patron and as a world-ranked polo player, in addition to his work in public service and aviation.
Earlier, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. approved the official insignia wings of the PAAR, establishing a distinct symbol of excellence and identity for Army aviators. The design was likewise cleared by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, underscoring its historical and cultural significance.
Romero earned the distinction in recognition of his contributions as a former legislator and his strong support for the Armed Forces of the Philippines modernization program, particularly the acquisition of C-130 Hercules aircraft. These platforms have significantly strengthened the country’s strategic airlift capability, as well as its disaster response and humanitarian operations across the archipelago.
During his tenure as majority owner of AirAsia Philippines from 2010 to 2023, Romero also played a key role during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he made aircraft available to the Philippine government and the AFP for the transport of troops, vaccines, test kits, and medical supplies nationwide.
With this honor, Romero becomes part of Army aviation history—recognized not only for his leadership in public service and civil aviation, but also for bridging civilian aviation, sports patronage, and national defense—leaving a lasting legacy for future Filipino aviators and reservists.
