The Philippine Army welcomed 552 future platoon leaders from Officer Candidate Course (OCC) “GUNDAWAY” Class 64-2026 and OCC-ROTC “TALAGILAB” Class 03-2026 during a reception dinner hosted by Army Chief Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete in Capas, Tarlac, on 2 July.

The reception dinner brought together the Army’s top brass and incoming officers in a customary send-off for graduating officer candidates before they formally join the organization’s officer corps.

Members of OCC “GUNDAWAY” Class 64-2026 and OCC-ROTC “TALAGILAB” Class 03-2026 will graduate on 4 July, marking the culmination of months of rigorous and holistic training that prepared them to lead Army units on the ground.

In his keynote remarks, Lt. Gen. Nafarrete underscored the Philippine Army’s ongoing transformation into a force that is professional, agile, and capable across the full spectrum of operations, while stressing that modern equipment and technology remain only enablers.

He said the Army’s decisive advantage will always be its people and leaders, defined by competence, integrity, moral courage, and unwavering adherence to the Constitution.

“As you receive your commissions, remember that your authority is accompanied by accountability. The rank that you will wear is not simply a mark of achievement; it is a solemn covenant with the nation, a commitment to lead with courage, serve with honor, and place the mission and the welfare of your soldiers above personal interest,” the Army chief said.

The traditional reception dinner reflects the Army’s steadfast efforts to foster camaraderie and ensure that new officers feel part of the organization even before they formally take their oath.