Four hundred individuals from diverse academic backgrounds began their military journey to become Philippine Army (PA) officers as they undergo the Officer Candidate Course (OCC) training on Friday, Dec. 15.

The members of the OCC Class 61-2024 took their oath and were sent off by the Army leadership in a ceremony held at the PA headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Col. Patrick B. De Villa, director of the Army Personnel Management Center (APMC), called on the future platoon leaders to focus and excel in their training.

"The Philippine Army is here to prepare you to be its future leaders but this role is still yours. How much you will learn, how much you will develop in this training is up to you," De Villa said.

The trainees will undergo the training program for one year at Camp O'Donnell in Capas, Tarlac which trains civilians and enlisted personnel for the officer candidate course.

The officer candidates came from diverse academic backgrounds such as engineering, education, psychology, criminology, and other courses. 

Upon finishing the training, they will earn a commission as an officer in the PA with a rank of second lieutenant.

New PAF officers

Meanwhile, 141 members of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) OCC "BAGSIK-LAWIN" Class 2023 formally completed their training journey to become part of the Officer Corps of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) during their graduation at the AFP General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Thursday, Dec. 14.

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. commended the graduates for their dedication, and highlighted their vital role in safeguarding the nation's sovereignty. 

PAF Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Stephen P. Parreño challenged the new officers to be the "pillars of the PAF's unwavering resilience."

"The graduation of these officers adds up to the PAF's  pool of capable leaders who will see the country through a safer and more secure future," said PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo.