CAMP O’DONNEL, Capas, Tarlac – Two hundred twenty nine members of the Officer Candidate Course Class 56-2022 culminated the 1-year pre-entry course for Army officers during the graduation ceremony that was held at the Philippine Army Officer Candidate School (PAOCS) on October 20, 2022.
Senior Undersecretary Jose C. Faustino, the Officer in Charge of the Department of National Defense, , graced the occasion as the Guest of Honor and Speaker.
In his speech, Faustino reminded the young lieutenants to pursue excellence in the military service by continuously learning from others.
“You must be humble and patient. Always take the opportunity to learn from your troops,” he said.
Faustino added that neophyte officers must prepare themselves to face the various challenges in their career.
“Be ready for the challenges ahead because you will never know yourself and the strength of your character until you have been tested by adversity.”
Best of the best
2nd Lieutenant Jerald Garcia, 24, of Baguio City, emerged as the ‘best among the best’ in his class. He received the Secretary of National Defense Saber for graduating at the top of his class; the Commander TRADOC Leadership Saber for leadership excellence, and the Chief of Staff TRADOC Physical Proficiency Award for being the strongest cadet in the Physical Fitness Test.
Records show that the graduates of the Officer Candidate Course Class 56 were all professionals before taking their oath as members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. As such, the class boasts of its academic achievers: 1 Summa Cum Laude, 1 Magna Cum Laude, and 12 Cum Laude.
OCC Class 56 is also composed of 2 licensed pilots, 4 electrical engineers, 4 civil engineers, 3 aeronautical engineers and 3 mechanical engineers.
The Officer Candidate Course is a one year pre-entry training for those who qualify for commissionship in the regular force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The military course includes a module on Warfighting, Troop Leading Procedures, and Leadership Development.
Under the leadership of Major General Peter Angelo Ramos, the Philippine Army Officer Candidate School produces 75% of the officers to the Philippine Army.
For the Calendar Year 2022, the PAOCS will supply more or less 450 Second Lieutenants (2LTs) to serve in various Army units around the Philippines. Two more Officer Candidate Course classes will graduate in the third week of December 2022. (VICTOR BALDEMOR)
