President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday assured the graduates of a Philippine Army Officer Candidate Course that his administration will remain committed to providing them with modern equipment, and will prioritize their retooling and retraining to improve their readiness.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony of the Philippine Army Officer Candidate Course “Gaigmat” Class 58-2023 in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City, the President said: “Be assured, the government’s dedication to your advancement and welfare goes beyond providing modern equipment alone. We continue to prioritize retooling and retraining to arm you with intellectual fortitude, with tactical prowess, and strategic acumen to thrive in the modern battlefield.”
“I invite you to join me and this administration in building a better, safer, and more secure nation for all Filipinos in the years to come.”
Congratulating the graduates, Marcos said Friday’s occasion signifies the culmination of their hard work, dedication, and sacrifice in overcoming the challenges of becoming an Army Officer.
“While this graduation ceremony marks the end of this chapter in your training, your journey does not end here— an even bigger challenge awaits you as you start to assume leadership roles in our Army,” he said, adding that, as members of the “Gaigmat” class, they are called to become sentinels of the nation’s Army and exemplars of excellence among the troops.
President Marcos also led the awarding of five outstanding graduates led by P2LT Jhun Lyndon C. Zamora, who was awarded the Philippine Presidential Saber for Excellence.
As the graduates ascend to the ranks of junior officers in the Philippine Army, the President advised them to lead by example, command with respect, and execute with excellence as they confront the challenges ahead.
Leadership, he said, stems from being able to demonstrate initiative and flexibility amidst uncertainty; show resilience and tenacity under pressure; and, instill hope, courage, and unity even in the most difficult of times.
“Let patriotism permeate every fiber of your being, empowering you to navigate the complexities of the field with heightened awareness and true mastery of your craft,” he said.
The “Gaigmat” Class 58-2023 is composed of 106 Officer Candidate Course graduates. Five graduates were also conferred with different awards and citation during the event.
The class name Gaigmat is a Visayan word, which means vigilance and being watchful of everything at all times.
The Officer Candidate School (OCS) provides officer candidates with one full year of rigorous training in soldiery and leadership to be mentally, physically, and emotionally fit to become officers in the Army.
Upon completion of the training, the officer candidates will be commissioned as Second Lieutenants.
The OCS traces its beginnings to the creation of the Reserve Officer Service School in 1935 at Camp Henry T. Allen, Baguio City. | PND
