QUEZON CITY (PIA) -- In an inspiring address, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. urged graduates of the Philippine Army - Officer Candidate Course (PA-OCC), to play an active role in building a better, safer, and more secure nation for all Filipinos.

Addressing the graduating class, President Marcos expressed his confidence in their abilities and emphasized the significant responsibility they now carry as commissioned officers. He encouraged them to take up the challenge of becoming catalysts for positive change and leaders who prioritize the safety and well-being of the Filipino people.

“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... Indeed, as members of the Gaigmat class, you are called to become sentinels of the nation’s Army and symbols of illumination who will serve as guides and exemplars of excellence amongst our troops,” he said.

The class name "Gaigmat," a Visayan word which stands for “Gabay na Iginawad ang Sarili Bilang Makabayang Tinatangi,” encompasses the essence of vigilance and constant awareness.

Highlighting the importance of their role in nation-building, President Marcos called upon the graduates to embody the ideals of service, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the country. He stressed that their leadership should extend beyond titles and positions, urging them to lead by example and demonstrate integrity, compassion, and a deep sense of patriotism.

The President emphasized the need for a united effort in creating a better future for the Philippines, urging the graduates to work together with his administration to address the various challenges faced by the nation. He assured them of the government's support, not just in terms of modern equipment but also in terms of intellectual and strategic development.

“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 on 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,” the President added.

The class valedictorian, Probationary 2nd Lieutenant Jhun Lyndon Zamora from Catablan, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan, addressed his fellow graduates, expressing gratitude for the months they spent together enduring hardships, joys, challenges, and triumphs. He affirmed their readiness to serve the country, highlighting their equipped knowledge and skills to lead their subordinates. Zamora called upon his peers to exemplify true patriotism and dedication to serving the Filipino people, emphasizing the importance of rendering service excellence and remaining loyal to the country.

The Gaigmat Class 58-2023, consisting of 43 students from Luzon, 30 from Visayas, and 33 from Mindanao, represents a diverse group of graduates from various fields such as Agriculture, Arts and Literature, Computer and Information Technology, Business Administration, Finance and Accountancy, Criminology, Tourism, and Aviation. The rigorous application process allowed only bachelor's degree-holders to become Army officers, qualifying them to enter the OCS.