THE 353 members of Officer Candidate Course (OCC) Class 62-2025 began their military journey with an oath-taking and reception ceremony at the Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command, Camp O’Donnell, Capas, Tarlac, on July 13, 2024.

OCC Class 62-2025 consists of 313 males and 40 females from diverse academic backgrounds, including education, criminology, engineering, psychology, and other fields.

They will undergo a one-year OCC training designed to develop their physical, mental, and leadership capabilities.

The oath-taking ceremony marks a pledge and commitment to serve the people and defend the country, even at the risk of their lives.

The reception rite is a meaningful ceremony to test and gauge the physical strength of the candidates before the formal start of training.

To become full-fledged Army officers, they must complete their training at the Philippine Army’s Officer Candidate School.

Brig. Gen. Ulpiano T. Olarte, Combat Engineer Regiment, served as the guest of honor and speaker, underscoring the importance of responsibility, courage, discipline, and honor during their upcoming intensive training.