Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. urged 552 newly commissioned Philippine Army officers to uphold what he called their “sacred” duty to the Republic as they formally joined the military service on Saturday.
Teodoro made the call during the joint graduation ceremony of the Officer Candidate Course “Gundaway” Class 64-2026 and the OCC-Reserve Officers’ Training Corps “Talagilab” Class 03-2026 at the Officer Candidate School, Training and Doctrine Command, Philippine Army, in Camp O’Donnell, Capas, Tarlac.
Representing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who is on an official visit to Canada, Teodoro conveyed the President’s congratulations to the graduates and expressed confidence in their ability to serve as commissioned officers of the Philippine Army.
The defense chief commended the graduates for choosing military service despite the personal, financial, and social challenges they had faced at a young age.
“I would just like to say that it is indeed a great honor. Malaking karangalan sa akin na maging panauhing pandangal ninyo. Bakit? Unang una, nakapagpapakumbaba ng loob, it is humbling to hear that at your young age, ka bata-bata nyo pa, kumpara sa akin, napakadami nyo nang dinaanan na hamon sa buhay,” Teodoro said.
“You struggled and you overcame. And you chose a path not easy to get to where you are. So, what does it give us, the leadership? For me, it gives me a sense of purpose and a sense of responsibility to reassert myself, to reassert all efforts, more than my best, in order to build a credible deterrent posture for the Republic of the Philippines,” he added.
Teodoro said military service requires a clear sense of purpose, with the Republic and its future as the highest responsibility of every soldier.
He said the sacrifices and determination shown by the new officers should strengthen the country’s resolve to build a credible defense posture capable of deterring internal and external threats.
The defense chief also emphasized the Army’s role in maintaining internal peace and security, saying stability within the country is essential to strengthening the Philippines’ external defense posture.
Teodoro cited the heroism of Captain Conrado Yap and Lieutenant Jose Arciaga during the Korean War, saying their courage and resilience should guide the new officers as they assume their duties.
He said the same fortitude that helped the graduates overcome hardships and complete their training would be crucial as they begin their careers in uniform.
The joint ceremony marked the completion of officer candidate training for 362 graduates of OCC “Gundaway” Class 64-2026 and 190 graduates of OCC-ROTC “Talagilab” Class 03-2026.
The 552 new officers were formally welcomed into the Department of National Defense and Armed Forces of the Philippines family during the ceremony.