Founding Anniversary of the Philippine Army

The Founding Anniversary of the Philippine Army is a significant day commemorating the establishment of the country’s largest military branch. This annual celebration honors the brave men and women who serve and protect the Philippines.

Quick Facts

When is it?: March 22
Tagged as: Military commemoration
What’s the hashtag?: #PhilippineArmyDay
When was it founded?: December 21, 1935
Who founded it?: President Manuel L. Quezon

History of the Founding Anniversary of the Philippine Army

The Philippine Army was officially established on December 21, 1935, as part of the National Defense Act. President Manuel L. Quezon sought the assistance of General Douglas MacArthur to develop a national defense strategy. The Army began as the Philippine Commonwealth Army and has since evolved into the country’s primary ground warfare service branch.

Timeline

1935: The Philippine Army is established as part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
1941: The Army faces its first major challenge during World War II
1946: The Army continues its role in the newly independent Philippines
2025: The Philippine Army celebrates its 128th founding anniversary
2035: The Army marks its centennial year

Founding Anniversary of the Philippine Army Dates

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	March 22	Saturday
2026	March 22	Sunday
2027	March 22	Monday
2028	March 22	Wednesday
2029	March 22	Thursday
2030	March 22	Friday

Observed Founding Anniversary of the Philippine Army

The Founding Anniversary of the Philippine Army is celebrated with various activities and events. Military parades showcase the Army’s strength and discipline, while commemorative ceremonies honor fallen soldiers. The Army often conducts capability demonstrations and opens its facilities to the public, allowing civilians to learn about military operations and equipment.

Special programs are organized to recognize outstanding soldiers and units for their contributions to national security. The Army also uses this occasion to highlight its modernization efforts and community outreach programs.

The celebration serves as a reminder of the Army’s crucial role in protecting the nation and its continuous commitment to serving the Filipino people.

Fun Facts About the Founding Anniversary of the Philippine Army

The Philippine Army is the oldest branch of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
General Douglas MacArthur served as a Field Marshal of the Philippines, a unique rank in the country’s military history.
The Army’s main headquarters is located at Fort Andres Bonifacio in Taguig City.
The Philippine Army conducts an annual large-scale exercise called “Exercise Katihan” as part of its anniversary celebrations.
The Army’s official motto is “Serving the people, securing the land.”

Quiz

When was the Philippine Army officially established?
Who was the President who founded the Philippine Army?
What is the name of the annual exercise conducted by the Philippine Army?
Where is the main headquarters of the Philippine Army located?
What rank did General Douglas MacArthur hold in the Philippine Army?

(Answers: 1. December 21, 1935; 2. Manuel L. Quezon; 3. Exercise Katihan; 4. Fort Andres Bonifacio, Taguig City; 5. Field Marshal)

FAQs

Q: Why is the Founding Anniversary celebrated on March 22?
A: While the Army was established in December, March 22 was chosen to commemorate its formal organization and to align with other military celebrations.

Q: How does the Philippine Army celebrate its founding anniversary?
A: The Army celebrates with military parades, commemorative ceremonies, capability demonstrations, and public engagement activities.

Q: What is the current strength of the Philippine Army?
A: As of 2021, the Philippine Army had an estimated strength of 143,100 soldiers.

Q: What are the main responsibilities of the Philippine Army?
A: The Army is responsible for ground warfare, national defense, and assisting in times of natural disasters and other emergencies.

Q: How can civilians participate in the Founding Anniversary celebrations?
A: Civilians can attend public events, visit military exhibitions, and participate in community programs organized by the Army.

Importance of the Founding Anniversary of the Philippine Army

The Founding Anniversary of the Philippine Army is a crucial event that highlights the significance of the country’s ground forces in maintaining national security. It serves as a platform to recognize the bravery, dedication, and sacrifices of Filipino soldiers who continually risk their lives to protect the nation.

This annual celebration also fosters a sense of patriotism and national pride among Filipinos. It reminds citizens of the Army’s rich history and its contributions to the country’s independence and ongoing peace efforts.

Moreover, the anniversary provides an opportunity for the Philippine Army to showcase its capabilities, technological advancements, and modernization efforts. This transparency helps build public trust and support for the military institution, which is essential for its continued effectiveness in serving the nation.