SM Prime backs PMA growth with new Henry Sy Sr. Hall

The Philippine Military Academy has broken ground on the Henry Sy Sr. Hall, a new cadet facility aimed at supporting the academy’s long-term expansion and leadership development program.

The project, backed by SM Prime Holdings Inc., forms part of the PMA’s Growth Plan, which targets increasing the Cadet Corps to 2,000 by 2040 through major infrastructure upgrades, including additional training and communal facilities.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held at the PMA grounds in Baguio City, underscoring the role of private-sector participation in strengthening institutions that train future leaders of the armed forces and public service.

Under the Growth Plan, the PMA aims to reinforce its position as a leading defense education institution while expanding its capacity to serve as a disaster response hub in Northern Luzon. Officials said the new facility is expected to help address the academy’s evolving operational and training requirements.

“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 multipurpose hall designed to accommodate up to 2,500 people for training activities, official functions, and indoor sports.

Designed by JSLA Architects, the facility is scheduled for completion by 2028 and will feature design elements suited to Baguio’s climate and the PMA’s long-term infrastructure needs.

For more than a century, the PMA has produced military and civilian leaders serving across government and communities nationwide. Officials said continued investment in training environments and shared facilities is essential as the academy adapts to increasingly complex national and regional responsibilities.