Tuesday, June 5, 2007

Philippine Military Academy, Baguio City


WHERE: Philippine Military Academy (PMA), Baguio City
DATE OF TRAVEL: May 30-31, 2007
WHY YOU SHOULD GO:

1. To see where our future Philippine ARMY, NAVY or AIRFORCE train and come from.
2. To take a closer look at the war memorabilia.
3. To pay respect to the people who sacrificed their lives for this country by visiting the cenotaphs around the camp.
FEES: None
NOTE: Although PMA is not really considered a tourist destination, it has become a popular sidetrip for Filipinos and foreigners who are interested in war stuff and anything "military". Military souvenirs like shirts, camouflage clothing, etc may be bought inside the camp.

DESCRIPTION:
PMA is the training ground of Philippine men and women for military service. Students who train here have the chance to work for the Philippine Army, Navy or Airforce. Its curriculum is patterned from the United States of America's Military Academy West Point.

The Philippine Military Academy began on October 25, 1898 with the establishment of the Academia Militar in Malolos, Bulacan. Its graduates were awarded regular commission in the Armed Forces. However, its existence was short-lived due to the Filipino-American hostilites that erupted months after its establishment. On February 17, 1905, an Officer's School of the Philippine Constabulary was established in Intramuros, Manila. It was relocated in Baguio City 3 years later, first in Teacher's Camp then moved to its present location in 1947. In Baguio, PMA was first referred to as Camp Henry T. Allen before it became Fort General Gregorio H. Del Pilar (who is famous for the heroic Battle of Tirad Pass).

TRIVIA:
* In accordance with Republic Act 7192, the first female cadets were admitted in the PMA in 1993.

* The outbreak of World War II disrupted the training in the PMA in late 1941. Classes 1942 and 1943 were graduated ahead of schedule and were assigned to combat units around the country. Many perished during the war.

BEST TIME TO GO:
There are drills and exhibitions on weekends, alumni homecoming, celebrations in February and graduation ceremonies at the end of the school year. Call PMA for their schedule.

HOW TO GET THERE:
By Car - Pass through Loakan Road and go past the fork in the road (going to Loakan Airport on your right side). Keep going straight until you see the gate on your right.

By Jeepney - take the Plaza-Loakan-PMA route from the Central Business District.

You can also hire a taxi cab.

CONTACT DETAILS:
Philippine Military Academy
Fort Del Pilar, Baguio City 2600
(074) 4468002/ (074) 4473690

HELPFUL LINKS: http://www.pma.ph and http://gobaguio.com
WHAT TO SEE/ LOOK FOR:
-Cadets in training
-The
Sun Dial
-Relief Map of the Philippines
-War Memorabilia (cannons, tanks, aircrafts, military weapons, etc)
-Cenotaphs
-Headquarters
-PMA Museum
-Souvenir Shops

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