THE historical value of the Philippine Military Academy has been recognized by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).
NHCP Acting Executive Director Ludovico Badoy unveiled the historical
marker with PMA Superintendent Lieutenant General Ronnie Evangelista on Tuesday, May 21.
The NHCP is the national government agency mandated to promote Philippine history through its museums, research and publications, and to preserve historical heritage through conservation and the marking of historic sites and structures.
PMA acting information chief Reynan Afan said application for the NHCP started last year for the Marcelo Hall, Borromeo Field and Sundial areas.
The Marcelo Hall was the first structure built by the Americans in 1950s along with the establishment of the hallowed grounds of the Borromeo Field, while the sundial was built 1957.
Afan said the NHCP decided to declare the entire area as a historical site with the marker set at the main gates of the academy.
The marker reads: "Kinikilala bilang kahalili ng Academia Militar na itinatag sa kumbento ng simbahan ng Barasoain sa Malolos, Bulacan, 25 Oktubre 1898 at nagtagal hanggang 20 Enero 1899. Itinatag sa Intramuros, Maynila bilang Philippine Constabulary School alinsunod sa General Order no. 71, 17 Agosto 1905. Inilipat sa Camp Henry T. Allen sa Baguio alinsunod sa general order no. 24, 1 Setyembre 1908. Naging Academy for Officers of the Philippine Constabulary sa bisa ng Act No. 2605, 4 Pebrero 1916 at Philippine Constabulary Academy sa bisa ng Act no. 3496, 8 Disyembre 1928. Pinangalanang Philippine Military Academy sa bisa ng Commonwealth Act no. 1 bilang pagsasakatuparan ng 'National Defense Plan' ni Heneral Douglas Macarthur, 21 Disyembre 1935. Itinalaga si Tenyente-Koronel Pastor C. Martelino bilang unang Pilipinong tagapamahala, 1936. Inilipat sa Baguio Teachers’ Camp, 1936-1941. Pansamantalang nagsara noong sumiklab ang Ikalawang Digmaang Pandaigdig habang ang mga kadete ay lumahok sa pakikidigma. Muling nagbukas sa Camp Henry T. Allen, 1947. Pinasinayaan ang kasalukuyang paaralan sa Fort General Gregorio del Pilar sa Loakan, Lungsod ng Baguio, 1950. Nagsimulang tumanggap ng mga babae bilang kadete alinsuod sa Batas Republika blg. 7192, 1 Abril 1993."