Founding Anniversary of the Philippine Army 2023: Date, History, Facts

On March 22, the Philippines commemorate the Founding Anniversary of the Philippine Army. It is a day to honor the brave and courageous military of the nation. The Philippine Commonwealth Army was established as a service component on December 21, 1935. Responsible for field combat, the Philippine Army is the oldest and largest branch of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (A.F.P.). It has participated in numerous battles, such as the ongoing Communist conflict in the Philippines, the Moro conflict, and international conflicts alongside other national military forces.

The background of Founding Anniversary of the Philippine Army

The Armed Forces of the Philippines were established by the National Defense Act of 1935, which also established the Philippine Army. The act stipulated that initial appointments to grades above third lieutenant must be made by the President from among former bearers of reserve commissions in the United States Army and former officers of the Philippine Scouts and Constabulary.

Following the formation of the Philippine Commonwealth on November 15, 1935, President Manuel L. Quezon enlisted the aid of Philippine Army Field Marshal Army General Douglas MacArthur to devise a national defense strategy. The Philippine Army was reborn on December 21, 1935, with the ratification of Commonwealth Act No. 1, which created the Council of National Defense and the Philippine Army. The law outlined the organizational structure of the army and established enlistment and mobilization procedures. By this act, the A.F.P. was duly established.

The formation of the new Philippine Army, however, proceeded hesitantly. The year 1936 was devoted to camp construction, cadre organization, and special training of instructors drawn primarily from the Constabulary to join the new Constabulary Division force. The commander of the Philippine Department offered Philippine Scouts as instructors and delegated United States Army officers to assist with program inspection, instruction, and administration. By the end of that year, instructors had been educated and programs had been organized.

The Philippine Army is headed by a Lieutenant General who holds the rank of Chief of the Army. The Vice-Commander and Chief of Staff of the Philippine Army, both of whom hold the rank of Major General, assist the Army Chief with organizational and administrative responsibilities.

First Philippine Republic Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Philippines

5 FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT ARMIES

The five-star rank did not exist until 1944, and the last recipient, Omar Bradley, died in 1981, when it was revoked.

The army allows basic and advanced trainees to take holiday block leaves at the conclusion of each year, allowing them to spend time with their families.

The President of the Philippine Republic is the Supreme Commander of the Philippine Armed Forces.

There are military bases in at least 74 countries, with a total of approximately 800 worldwide.

George Washington led the first continental army in June 1775, indicating that the Philippine Army is older than the country by more than a year.

FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY OF THE PHILIPPINE ARMY DATES

Year	Date	Day
2023	March 22	Wednesday
2024	March 22	Friday
2025	March 22	Saturday
2026	March 22	Sunday
2027	March 22	Monday