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Camp O’Donnell, Capas, Tarlac – In a proud and meaningful ceremony, the Philippine Army Officer Candidate School (PAOCS) welcomed a new cohort of 350 Officer Candidates of the OCC Class 62-2025 who took their oath and participated in the traditional reception rites. The event, held at the hallowed ground of the Makabulos Grandstand, Training and Doctrine Command Philippine Army, marked the beginning of their rigorous training and development as future leaders of the Philippine Army.
The highlight of the ceremony was the oath-taking, where the Officer Candidates pledged their commitment to uphold the highest standards of valor, integrity, and duty. The oath was administered by Col. Harold M Cabunoc INF (MMDS), Commandant, OCS, who emphasized the gravity and honor of the responsibilities the candidates are about to undertake.
In his address, BGen. Ulpiano T Olarte PA, Commander, Combat Engineer Regiment, PA, the event’s Guest of Honor and Speaker, congratulated the new candidates and shared words of wisdom and encouragement in the acronym of OCS.
“O stands for 'outdo' yourself and be a much better version of yourself...C stands for commit...to realizing your full potential [in serving the nation]...S stands for strive for excellence in everything you do,” he said, inspiring the candidates to embrace the challenges ahead with dedication and resilience.
Following the oath-taking, the reception rites were conducted, symbolizing the formal acceptance of the candidates into the Officer Candidates School community. The rites included traditional customs and ceremonies that highlight the rich heritage and values of the institution. Performed through a team-building arrangement, Officer Candidates are expected to showcase camaraderie and cohesiveness as a class.
This new class of Officer Candidates, selected from a competitive pool of applicants from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, represents a diverse group of individuals who have demonstrated exceptional potential for leadership. Over their year-long training, they will undergo intensive activities designed to develop their physical, mental, and ethical capacities, ensuring they are fully prepared to serve as commissioned officers of the Philippine Army.
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