THE PHILIPPINE Army said that 361 individuals signed up for its Officer Candidate Course.

The OCC Class 59-2023 is composed of 54 females and 307 males who will undergo training for a year at the Army’s Officer Candidate School of Training and Doctrine Command in Camp O’Donnell in Capas, Tarlac.

The Army said that officer candidates came from different academic backgrounds such as engineering, education, psychology, criminology, among others.

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

During the sendoff ceremony at the Philippine Army Grandstand in Fort Bonifacio, Col. Patrick B. De Villa, Army Personnel Management Center director, encouraged the candidates to continue their determination and strength to become future Army officers.

“Each of us in some way has a dream of doing well in the service of our country or maybe making our family proud of our accomplishments. In joining the Philippine Army Officers Corps, we will have that opportunity to fulfill your dreams, the path that you have chosen will not be easy but I assure you, it will be a fulfilling life,” De Villa said.