(From L to R) COL Kim Eric Alexander D. Agatep PAF(GSC)- Chief of the Academy Staff; BGen Stephen Agtoto Prof-Dean of Academics, PMA; BGen Nelson C. Aluad PA- Commandant of Cadets; BGen Onorlie B. Brillantes PAF-Assistant Superintendent, PMA; LTGen Gonzales PAF-Commander, Northern Luzon Command; Vice Admiral Caesar Bernard N. Valencia PN- Superintendent, PMA; Mr. Hans T. Sy- Executive Committee Chairman, SM Prime Holdings Inc.; Ar. Jose Siao Ling- Principal Architect of JSLA and Associates; Engr. Manuel Sy, President – New Golden City Builders and Development Corp.; Engr. Arthur Carlos-Construction Manager of CONSTEK Management Group Inc.; Ar. Jessie Siao Ling- Principal Architect of JSLA and Associates

The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) recently broke ground on the Henry Sy Sr. Hall, a new cadet facility, marking a milestone in its leadership development efforts. The project is supported by SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) as part of its long-standing commitment to nation-building.

Under its Growth Plan, the PMA targets an expansion of the Cadet Corps to 2,000 by 2040, to be bolstered by major infrastructure projects, including a new mess hall. The plan is intended to reinforce the PMA’s position as a leading defense education institution and a future hub for disaster response in Northern Luzon.

Held at the PMA grounds in Baguio City, the groundbreaking ceremony highlighted the role of private-sector participation in strengthening institutions that shape the country’s future leaders.

The new facility is intended to help address the Academy’s evolving requirements as it prepares cadets for the demands of modern leadership and national service.

“The future of the Philippines depends on strong leadership, and strong leadership is shaped by strong institutions. We believe the PMA is central to that effort,” said Hans T. Sy, SM Prime Executive Committee Chairman.

“By building the Henry Sy Sr. Hall, we hope to provide a facility that supports the Academy’s continued evolution. Because leadership is shaped not by ideals and tradition alone, but by its environment,” he added.

The Henry Sy Sr. Hall will be a two-story structure anchored by a large multipurpose hall that can accommodate up to 2,500 individuals for training activities, official functions and indoor sports.

Designed by JSLA Architects, Henry Sy Sr. Hall is scheduled for completion by 2028, with features tailored to Baguio’s climate and the PMA’s long-term infrastructure needs.

For more than a century, the PMA has produced leaders who serve in the armed forces, government and communities across the country. As its responsibilities grow more complex, continued investment in training environments and shared spaces has become essential to sustaining the Academy’s legacy.

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