The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in Baguio City has been spared from serious damages following a series of tropical cyclones that destroyed many areas across Luzon over the past two weeks.
“The Academy sustained no major damage as a result of the typhoon, and all cadets, personnel, and facilities remained safe and secure throughout the weather disturbance,” PMA Spokesperson Lt. Jesse Nestor Saludo told Manila Standard.
Saludo issued the statement after the PMA reopened its campus following its temporary closure during the height of the recent storms.
The early implementation of internal safety protocols ensured the continued well-being of the PMA community.
Saludo also said that the temporary restriction was in accordance with the Academy’s established disaster preparedness measures and its responsibility to safeguard both its personnel and the general public.
“The PMA extends its appreciation for the public’s patience and cooperation during this period,” he said.
“As access to the Academy grounds resumes, all visitors are respectfully reminded to remain vigilant and to comply with existing safety protocols, particularly in light of unpredictable weather conditions,” Saludo added.
Baguio City, which is located in Benguet in the Cordillera Administrative Region, was among the areas affected when tropical cyclones ‘Crising,’ ‘Dante’ and ‘Emong’ hit the Philippines in successive fashion that intensified southwest monsoon rains recently.
The Philippine Navy headquarters in La Union, meanwhile, was damaged in the wake of the latest weather disturbances. But it did not deter them from performing their mandate to ensure the safety of the people amid the onslaught of typhoons.
Navy spokesperson Captain John Percie Alcos said strong winds and flying debris shattered multiple windows, roofs, and caused flooding in several workspaces at the Naval Station Ernesto Ogbina—the headquarters of Joint Task Force (JTF) Karagatan—when Typhoon Emong battered San Fernando City in La Union.
The troops also struggled with power outages further complicating their living conditions.
Despite the setbacks, troops from JTF Karagatan continued to conduct critical search, rescue, and retrieval (SRR) operations across northern Luzon to support affected communities, Alcos noted.
The PMA also reaffirms its commitment to support civilian communities during times of crisis.
The Academy stands ready to provide assistance in coordination with the Cordillera Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and other relevant government agencies.
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated.
