CAMP O'DONNELL, CAPAS, TARLAC-As the Philippine Army's new 2nd Lieutenants carry the responsibility of their hard-earned insignia, the 273-strong officer candidates of Officer Candidate Course "ARAMSIDLAK" Class 60-2024 conducted their Graduation Rites at the acclaimed grounds of Makabulos Grandstand, Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC).

          The graduation rites were graced by the Secretary of the National Defense, Honorable Gilberto C Teodoro Jr., the Guest of Honor and Speaker, Gen Romeo S Brawner Jr, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Lt. Gen. Roy M Galido, Commanding General of the Philippine Army, MGen. Luis Rex D Bergante PA, Commander, TRADOC, PA. In his speech, Secretary Teodoro reminded the OCC “ARAMSIDLAK” Class 60-2024 of the values that the Officer Candidate School had instilled in them as they transitioned from training to active service.

          “I would like to commend the parents of these new lieutenants for raising them to be competent persons. The individual stories of each Officer Candidates are what motivates the continuous change and innovation in the Philippine Army as we promote inclusivity and diversity under the leadership of our very own President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.,” said Secretary of the National Defense, Honorable Gilberto C Teodoro Jr.

          The OCC "ARAMSIDLAK" Class 60-2024 or the "Alamat ng mga Responsible at Aktibong Mandirigma, Sundalong Ilaw sa Digmaan, Layuning ay Kapayapaan" is united by their goal to serve and lead in the Philippine Army. Together, the class stands to take on the challenge of being young officers who are driven to give modern solutions to the Army's long-standing problems, multitask efficiently and effectively to deliver quality work, and stand up against issues since time immemorial.

          Initially, “ARAMSIDLAK” is composed of 397 Officer Candidates with 168 successful candidates from Luzon, 99 courageous men and women from Visayas, and 130 determined warriors from Mindanao. The Officer Candidates had carried nothing but their baggage of hope and interesting stories of origin and identity, contributing to the inclusive domain of the OCS. The class “ARAMSIDLAK” resonated with 57 females and 216 males within the hallowed grounds of the OCS, admitted to the comprehensive and rigid culture of a one-year military training program.

          "ARAMSIDLAK" Class 60-2024 is composed of licensed professionals, several of whom graduated with Latin honors; three (3) Magna Cum Laude, and 20 Cum Laude. Among the class are 43 Licensed Professional Teachers, 56 Civil Service Professionals, 37 Registered Criminologists, 12 Civil Service Honor Graduates, ten (10) Licensed Civil Engineers, four (4) Licensed Agriculturists, four (4) Licensed Electrical Engineers, two (2) Licensed Mechanical Engineers, one (1) Licensed Medical Technologist, one (1) Licensed Financial Consultant, one (1) Licensed Psychometrician, one (1) Registered Chemical Technician, one (1) Registered Master Electrician, one (1) Registered Master Plumber, one (1) Registered Psychometrician, one (1) Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Technician, one (1) Licensed Agricultural and Bio-systems Engineer, one (1) Licensed Aviation Specialist, one (1) Registered Chemical Technician, one (1) Registered Nurse, one (1) Registered Nutritionist-Dietitian and representatives from various other fields of expertise. Impressively, 23 Commissioned Officers from the Reserve Force, POTC graduates, and 38 of these young aspirants are former enlisted personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, each bringing a unique perspective to their future roles as Officers.

          The Top 10 of the class boasts their proficiency in terms of physical strength, mental aptitude, and leadership skills with seven (7) males and three (3) females rising to the top. They are as follows:

• Top 1, P2LT Arthur L Del Rosario PA of Hinunangan, Southern Leyte;
• Top 2, P2LT Gerald Ulip PA from Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro;
• Top 3, P2LT Ariela Garras PA of Loyonsawang, Abuyog, Leyte;
• Top 4, P2LT Nelamarie M Gonzaga PA from Poblacion, Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur;
• Top 5, P2LT Sharlene Joy B Singson PA of Saranay, Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya;
• Top 6, P2LT Kimpee P Puh-hay from Boliwong, Lagawe, Ifugao;
• Top 7, P2LT Melchor A Talabon Jr PA of Aleosan, North Cotabato;
• Top 8, P2LT John Carlo Kenneth Dalisay from Antipolo City, Rizal;
• Top 9, P2LT John Arvin C Tiamzon PA of Manila City, Metro Manila; and,
• Top 10, P2LT Mc Venz S Valbarez from Quezon City, Metro Manila.

         
          They have shown their tenacity and perseverance to rise above all the struggles and challenges that their one-year training gave with grace and grit.

          Additionally, the following Officer Candidates were the recipients of the respective special awards:

• Top 1 P2LT Arthur L Del Rosario PA is the recipient of the esteemed Presidential Saber.
• Top 2 P2LT Gerald Ulip PA bagged the Secretary of National Defense Saber and the Chief of Staff, Training and Doctrine Command Award for Physical Proficiency (Male Category) with a 94.83% general average.
• Top 3 P2LT Ariela A Garras PA secured the Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines Saber and the Chief of Staff, Training and Doctrine Command Award for Physical Proficiency (Female Category) with a general average of 90.33%.
• Top 4 P2LT Nelmarie M Gonzaga PA obtained the Commanding General, Philippine Army Saber, and the renowned Commandant's Award for her exceptional performance in the OCS' three major departments: Military Science Department (MSD), Physical Education Department (PED), and Tactics Department.
• P2LT Yves Randell A Serrano PA was awarded the Commander, Training and Doctrine Command Leadership Saber for his exemplary leadership, depth of knowledge, and relentless service to the corps.

          Secretary Teodoro Jr. ended his speech with a prompt conviction to the OCC “ARAMSIDLAK” Class 60-2024 as he said, “Ang Pilipino ay hindi umaatras. Ang Pilipino ay hindi natitinag. Patuloy ninyong alalahanin at bitbitin sa inyong mga puso na manatiling tapat, matatag at totoo.”

          As the new set of young officers joins the growing and strong family of the Philippine Army, they will continue to be the living embodiment of the OCS' values of valor, integrity, and duty—always.