THE 400-strong members of the Officer Candidate Course (Class 61-2024) began their military journey during the Oath-taking and Send-off Ceremony at the Headquarters Philippine Army Grandstand, Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila on December 15, 2023.

The OCC Class 61-2024 is composed of 400 members who will undergo the said training program for one year at the Philippine Army’s Officer Candidate School of Training and Doctrine Command in Camp O’Donnell, Capas, Tarlac.

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

They will undergo rigid training that will develop their physical, mental, and leadership capabilities.

Army Personnel Management Center Director Col. Patrick B. De Villa, in his keynote speech, called on 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,” Col. De Villa said.