Tabuk City, Kalinga – After a year of rigorous training, seven yKalingas are set to graduate this December 5 at the Army’s Officer Candidate School of Training and Doctrine Command in Camp O’Donnell in Capas, Tarlac.
The seven officer candidates are among the 288 graduating members of the Officer Candidate Course (OCC) “Talahiraya” Class 59-2023.
Their graduation automatically ensures their being commissioned as second lieutenants and ensigns in the Armed Forces of the Philippines Regular and Reserve Forces by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The seven officer candidates are Joel Tabanganay Jr., Kevin Denna, and Sharlah Amythiest Pugao of Tabuk City; Alph Bobby Aboli from Tinglayan; John Denver Alimorong from Pinukpuk; and David Jefraim Orodio and Frynz Clyd Agustin of Rizal, Kalinga.
Said officer candidates came from different academic backgrounds - one is a registered mechanical engineer, two are licensed civil engineers, and another is a licensed professional teacher.
Others are graduates of electronics and communications engineering, accountancy, and political science.
In an interview with Tabanganay, one of the officer candidates, he revealed that though none of them were able to qualify in the top 10 of the graduating class, he was able to clinch the Physical Proficiency Award or the Tarzan Award.
The award is given to those who get the highest grade in all physical fitness activities performed in their training.
Tabanganay said that he prepared and worked hard to get the 'Tarzan' award through continuous training and self-discipline.
Meanwhile, the group now encourages interested yKalingas to take the qualifying exam to enter the officer candidate school.
To qualify, an applicant must be a graduate of any Baccalaureate degree, natural-born Filipino citizens, single with no parental obligation, at least five feet tall, physically and mentally fit, and at least 21 years old, and not a day older than 27 years old, upon taking the oath.
They must not have pending cases in any court.
For documentary requirements, the group said applicants should present a college diploma, transcript of records, a Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)-issued birth certificate, and any government-issued identification card.
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