Department of National Defense (DND) Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Jose Faustino Jr. challenged on Thursday, Oct. 20, the 229 newly commissioned officers of the Philippine Army (PA) to "avoid mediocrity" and always "strive for excellence."
The new officers are members of the Officer Candidate Course (OCC) Class 56 "Ikarigatak" 2022 who graduated from a one-year pre-entry training program for Army officers at the Philippine Army Officer Candidate School (PAOCS) in Camp O’Donnel, Capas, Tarlac.
"The Armed Forces of the Philippines is a distinct organization which offers various opportunities. I encourage you to actively seek tasks through which you can make the most of your skill set," said Faustino, who served as the guest of honor and speaker during the graduation ceremony.
"Simply put, whatever you do, avoid mediocrity. Mediocrity is your worst enemy because it kills what could have been the best. I ask you to strive for excellence at all times," he added.
The new second lieutenants hurdled the pre-entry course that included basic military training program, officer training program and war fighting program.
All of the graduates are professionals in various fields before they took oath as members of the AFP including two licensed pilots, four electrical engineers, four civil engineers, three aeronautical engineers, and three mechanical engineers.
2nd Lieutenant Jeral Garcia, 24, of Baguio City, emerged as the class valedictorian. He received the Secretary of National Defense Saber for graduating at the top of his class; the Commander TRADOC (Training and Doctrine Command) Leadership Saber for leadership excellence, and the Chief of Staff TRADOC Physical Proficiency Award for being the strongest cadet in the Physical Fitness Test.
The class is loaded with academic achievers that include a summa cum laude, a magna cum laude, and 12 Cum Laudes.
Under the leadership of Maj. Gen. Peter Angelo Ramos, the Philippine Army Officer Candidate School produces 75 percent of the officers to the Philippine Army.
For the Calendar Year 2022, the PAOCS will supply around 450 second lieutenants to serve in various Army units around the country. Two more Officer Candidate Course classes will graduate in the third week of December 2022.