San Antonio, Zambales – The Naval Education, Training and Doctrine Command (NETDC), through the Philippine Navy Officer Candidates School (PNOCS), recently facilitated the Graduation Ceremony of 82 new officers who compose the Naval Officer Candidate Course (NOCC) “MAGSIKHAY” Class 39 in an event held at Naval Station Leovigildo Gantioqui in San Antonio, Zambales.
These graduates are the most recent collection of young and capable officers who are set to join the ranks of the Philippine Navy. Composed of 59 males and 23 females, the class is a diverse group of individuals hailing from numerous backgrounds across different regions of the archipelago.
They were also graduates in various fields including engineering, health and education; prior taking on the noble profession of arms and undergoing military training. Now, they share the common purpose of serving our country and people, equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their roles and responsibilities as officers of the Philippine Navy
With their parents, relatives, friends and loved ones in attendance to witness the graduation ceremony; every member of NOCC Class 39 went up the stage to receive their respective certificates of completion from the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Q Ezpeleta PN, who served as Guest of Honor and Speaker, representing the Flag Officer in Command (FOIC, PN), Philippine Navy, Vice Admiral Toribio D Adaci Jr PN. Among those recognized for their notable performance throughout the course were:
Probationary Ensign Jeamel Joseph G Mendoza PN, who graduated at the top of his class and was awarded the Philippine Navy Saber and Plaque of Distinction from the FOIC, PN;
Probationary Second Lieutenant Mikko Angelo D Agas PN(M), who graduated number two and was awarded the Plaque of Merit from the Commander, NETDC; and Probationary Ensign Andre James A Sareno PN, who was given the Plaque of Merit from the Commandant, PNOCS for graduating number three in his class.
As they begin their careers, the members of the class seek to reflect the experiences and values that they have acquired throughout their journey towards becoming officers in service of our nation; embodying the meaning of their class name, which stands for, “Makabagong Alagad na Gagabay at Sasandigan ng Inang bayan tungo sa Kaunlaran at Habambuhay na Aalagaan itong Yaman”
Within the coming months, they shall also undergo the Naval Officer Basic Course (NOBC), a vital step in preparing for their forthcoming roles and responsibilities.
This aligns with the continuous efforts to ensure that naval officers possess the essential capabilities for a modernized armed force.
