Status report on PMA cadet barracks

Last January, I wrote about the barracks of the Philippine Military Academy, specifically Florendo Hall, as being in danger of collapse. Built in 1994, Florendo Hall, named after Brig. Gen. Oscar Florendo, class of 1962, houses more than 400 students—one company of female and three companies of male cadets.

Because of a growing number of cracks in the walls, PMA authorities felt the need to strengthen and repair the foundation of Florendo Hall. Unfortunately, requests for funding to carry out these corrective measures were set aside in the face of more urgent priorities of the Armed Forces. In brief, there was no money available.

At a recent meeting of the Board of Visitors of the Academy, it was suggested that we approach Manny Pacquiao for a possible donation from the proceeds of his next bout. Oh my God, with billions in modernization funds for the armed forces, we were looking for help from Manny Pacquiao!

Acting swiftly on the problem, the new superintendent of the PMA, recently promoted Vice Adm. Leonardo Calderon Jr., set in motion the structural inspection of the PMA facilities. EEI Corporation, a well-known and respected firm in the construction industry, was called in to carry out the necessary review. To get a background on the condition and history of the buildings, EEI conducted discussions with military officials.

Three buildings were subjected to inspection: Florendo Hall and Regis Hall, both cadet barracks, and the Station Hospital.

Salient portions of the EEI report:

Florendo Hall—The result of inspection shows that there is no cause for immediate concern. However, it is recommended that the building should be checked if it will satisfy the requirement of the new structural code of the Philippines (NSCP). This checking will determine the need of retrofitting works or any other testing required.

Regis Hall—Because this is an old building and additional modifications were carried out which may have affected the performance of the structure, it is recommended that it should be checked for integrity and updated with the new requirements of the NSCP to extend its service life.

Old Hospital—The wide cracks on the wall indicate a significant movement of the structure. The building shows signs of deterioration and may not be economical to repair and retrofit, which also involves a significant amount of engineering and testing. It is therefore advisable to condemn the building as recommended previously by other civilian and military inspectors.

Another report was submitted by ESCA Inc., a consultant under contract with EEI to study and investigate the structural integrity of Regis and Florendo Halls. Its recommendations were as follows:

Regis Hall—It is recommended that the building be subjected for comprehensive structural investigation to identify the extent of its rehabilitation to conform to the latest NSCP. This investigation will also identify if the structure is still feasible for that said rehabilitation. Additional heavy loading is discouraged.

Florendo Hall—It is recommended that the building be subjected for further review to ensure the structural integrity of the building. Additional load is also discouraged.

The EEI report definitely calls for the condemnation of the hospital “as recommended previously by other civilian and military inspectors.” For how many years have we been confining our soldiers and cadets in a condemned facility?

The EEI and ESCA reports on the cadet barracks do not provide resounding votes of confidence in the structural integrity of the buildings. Shorn of the technical language, both call for more inspections. The next step is a critical judgment call for the PMA superintendent and the AFP chief of staff.

Less than two weeks from today, a new batch of approximately 350 cadets will be admitted to the PMA. When they graduate, they will be expected to fight and to die if necessary for their country. We owe them not just the safest but the best of facilities.

source..

Ganyan na ang state niyan nung kadete pa kami. I agree na dapat mapagtuunan ng pansin yan. The current cadets should not be subjected to the dangers posed by the old and dilapidated barracks.

correction ...........only 192 cadets will be joining for class 2013.

You should all be resourceful. Look at the NPA they can improvise their barracks. Every PMAer should be taught basic carpentry and basic civil engineering. If they can do that they can save money.

PMA should be acclimatized to hot weather. PMA should be transferred to Fort Magsaysay.

whats the concrete reason for transfer?

lets say we consider your suggestion, first we will change the uniform because of the climate, the culture and traditions for the past 60 years (approximately) will change. what happened to the beloved land of borromeo field?it is indeed a holy ground for cadets. And most of all, are we going to revive the "Why are you resigning?" :nono:

They and you should know better. I was just using a Canadian-Filipino who visited Philippines as an example. He was used to freezing temperatures. When he took his visit, he became dehydrated because he was not acclimatized and was hospitalized. Heat waves kill, my friend.

...but BAguio is different from Canada, eh?

Yes, sir. The Canadian was probably a pussy compared to tough graduates of PMA who can withstand even desert heat.

That's not even the point... :headbang:

I used to live inside Ft Magsaysay before I became a cadet. Hindi kaya maging security risk lang ang paglipat ng PMA sa Ft Magsaysay. Oo nga at secure sila while inside camp, pero pano paglabas ng kampo. Cabanatuan is not Baguio. And if I remember correctly, one of the reasons Baguio was chosen in the first place was to facilitate the isolation of the cadets from the real world. Mas madali siguro kung nakaseparate siya sa ibang units ng military. Paano kung nasa Ft Magsisi na ang mga kadete at maexpose sila agad sa nangyayari sa labas, pano na lang yung idealism?

Back to topic, yung nga lang pagrepair ng existing facilities ng PMA, nahihirapan makahanap ng pondo, pano pa kung lilipat sila sa Ft Mag at kelangan gumawa ng bagong buildings at iba pa? Matagal ako Fort Mag, at tingin ko alang existing facilities na pwede gamitin ng 1000+ na kadete.

Sometimes my views are distorted, sir. Sorry sir!

Consider the whole corps upon planning, not by a mere single person.

back to the topic, Amongst all buildings in the academy, Florendo Hall was built on 1994 and it was the first to deteriorate. I don't know why the Corps of Engineers wasn't able to foresee these waning foundations. If possible they should consider below the ground if it won't really uphold the building. Some lapses and corruption has been made i guess. :headbang:

I feel sorry for people like you, sir deadeye. Yes, there is corruption even at the time of Marcos where generals are appointed based on partisanship plus loyalty and not on merits. Well, I am just a very very small voice. I wish I can change that. But the more you hammer them into their kukotes, the more stubborn they are. As if they're taunting us with 'I'll do what I want..you can't prove a thing..I am in power and so many many more. I have close relatives too in the Navy and I've seen it. Hence, wala akong sinasanto. My father is a courier for Hukbalahap. Wala akong sinasanto. (I don't find anybody sancrosant.)He's passed away and the Bible says our 'bitterest enemy is our (commie) household member'. I'll shoot my father NPA!

Baguio is prone to earhtquakes, I beleive the repair of cadet housing in PMA should be made a priority.

Its a shame to ask for help from Manny Pacquiao when the AFP has a budget of billions, some of which are just misappropriated.