The 24-strong pioneering batch of the Philippine Army’s Officer Candidate Course - Reserve Officer Training Corps (OCC-ROTC) completed the eight-month program in a graduation ceremony at Mabini Hall, Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Philippine Army in Camp O’Donnell, Capas, Tarlac on June 21, 2022.
Commanding General Philippine Army (CGPA) Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner, Jr., graced the graduation ceremony for the members of the OCC-ROTC "Panimula" Class 01-2022. Class topnotcher Probationary Second Lieutenant Eduardo C. Arcenas, Jr., received the Secretary of National Defense Saber. Meanwhile, Probationary Second Lieutenant Prinzel Maica O. Ongga-as received the Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Saber for having on the second rank while Probationary Second Lieutenant Fevie P. Fajardo received the Commanding General Philippine Army Saber for ranking third.
Lt. Gen. Brawner, in his keynote speech, discussed three core principles of servant leadership that he is envisioning to inculcate within the organization. The Army Chief called on incoming platoon leaders to have integrity in everything that they do. “Let integrity serve as your core identity in service. As leaders, set the example by always doing what is right,” the Army Chief said. He also called on the newly minted officers to remain loyal to the Army’s core mission of serving the people and securing the land. “Third, remain dedicated to your duty. As incoming junior leaders, always remember that the country’s envisioned goal of stability lies on your strength and your very shoulders,” the CGPA remarked.
The OCC-ROTC program is a new officer recruitment system that takes in college graduates who have completed the Probationary Office Training Course (POTC) program handled by the Reserve Command, Philippine Army.
Photos: Pfc. Rodgen V. Quirante Philippine Army/ OACPA