Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. on Saturday, July 4, challenged 552 newly commissioned Philippine Army (PA) officers to help build a “credible deterrent posture” for the country as the military continues to strengthen its territorial defense while sustaining internal security operations.

Representing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who is on an official visit to Canada, Teodoro addressed the graduates of Officer Candidate Course (OCC) "Gundaway" Class 64-2026 and OCC-Reserve Officers' Training Corps (OCC-ROTC) "Talagilab" Class 03-2026 during their joint graduation ceremony at the Officer Candidate School in Camp O'Donnell in Capas, Tarlac.

The latest batch consists of 362 graduates from OCC “Gundaway” and 190 graduates from OCC-ROTC “Talagilab,” who will serve as platoon leaders in the Army.

“You struggled and you overcame. You chose a path that was not easy to reach where you are today,” he told the young bloods.

The defense chief said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is modernizing its capabilities as it seeks to establish a credible deterrent against both internal and external threats.

The military has shifted its focus in recent years toward territorial defense while continuing campaigns against remaining insurgent and terrorist groups.

“So, what does it give us, the leadership? For me, it gives me a sense of purpose and a sense of responsibility to reassert myself, to exert more than my best efforts, in order to build a credible deterrent posture for the Republic of the Philippines,” Teodoro said.

He also reminded the new officers that military service is a calling centered on serving the Filipino people and protecting the country.

“It is indeed a great honor. It is humbling to see that at your young age, you have already gone through so many challenges in life,” Teodoro said.

He said the country's future should remain the highest purpose of every soldier as they begin their careers as commissioned officers.

Teodoro also stressed that a strong external defense cannot be achieved without peace and stability at home. He said the Army remains at the forefront of preserving internal security while the AFP expands its capability to defend the country's sovereignty.

Drawing inspiration from the heroism of Capt. Conrado Yap and Lt. Jose Arciaga during the Korean War, Teodoro said the same courage and resilience that enabled the graduates to complete demanding military training would guide them as Army officers.

Earlier in the ceremony, Army chief Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete said the service has updated its officer training program to prepare future leaders for modern warfare.

“With these realities in mind, we have ensured that the foundation of every Filipino soldier is both strong and adaptable. It is built to meet the evolving needs of our organization while remaining flexible enough to respond, adjust, and thrive in today's highly volatile security environment,” Nafarrete said.

The one-year Officer Candidate Course is open to qualified college graduates who seek commissions in the Regular Force of the Philippine Army.

Meanwhile, the six-month OCC-ROTC program is intended for reserve officers who have completed the Probationary Officer Training Course and are preparing to serve as commissioned officers in the regular force.

During the ceremony, Probationary 2nd Lt. Fernando M. Abanag Jr., the top graduate of OCC “Gundaway,” and Probationary 2nd Lt. Gilnove R. Olmedo, the top graduate of OCC-ROTC “Talagilab,” received the Presidential Sabers in recognition of their academic and military excellence.