Philippine Military Academy

The history of the Philippine Military Academy commenced on the 25th of October, 1898. President Emilio Aguinaldo created the Academia Militar. Situated in Malolos, Bulacan, it became the training ground for the armed forces.

However, the resulting Philippine-American War resulted in the demise of the Academia Militar in 1899, as the Filipino fighters lost. Under American rule, the Philippine Constabulary was set up in place of the old Academia Militar. In 1908, three after its establishment in Intramuros, the Philippine Constabulary was moved to Baguio City, first at Camp Henry Allen and later on at Teacher’s Camp.

It was on the 21st of December, 1936, that the Philippine Commonwealth passed a law paving the way for the creation of the Philippine Military Academy. It began producing military personnel until the outbreak of World War II. During 1942-43, the process, usually taking four years, was shortened as the members of Classes 42 and 43 were called to duty. They fought bravely, and many of them died during the war.

It was on May 5, 1947, two years after the end of the war, that the Philippine Military Academy was finally able to reconvene. From Camp Henry Allen, the Academy was relocated to For Del Pilar in Loakan, some seven miles away from Baguio City. In its new location the area was developed into an institution complete with all the necessary facilities and it began growing rapidly.

The Philippine Military Academy had never been static, and its training and courses changed in accordance with the needs and situation. From being tech centered in the 1930s, several more courses were included, particularly during the 1960s.

Two important events took place in 1993. The first is that the Philippine Military Academy introduced training to enable its students to be ready and able, be, it for land, sea or air operations upon graduation. The second is that, based upon Republic Act 7192, women were allowed to participate in the PMA. As the years have gone by, several women have graduated successfully from the Academy, often garnering top honors.

The grounds of the Philippine Military Academy are accessible to the public, and there are also plenty of drill exercises in the Academy. For those who wish to visit, there are several ways. The first is to take a jeepney going to Plaza-Loakan-PMA. An alternative is to take a cab and ask the driver to take you to the Academy grounds.

If you are going by car, you just go to Loakan Road and drive until you see the fork (this will be easy to see as the airport will be on your right). Drive straight on and you will arrive at the gate of Fort Pilar.