By Jason de Asis
BALER, Aurora-The Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion and the Army Recruitment Office -Luzon of the Army Personnel Management Center (APMC) recently facilitated the two-day caravan to 135 individuals who are potential to become commissioned officers through the Officer Candidate Course (OCC) as a pre-commission training for the Philippine Army.
Lt. Col. Julito B. Recto, Jr., commander of 91st IB said that 123 college graduate, 8 graduating students in college and 4 active army from 91st IB undergone the Pre-Screening and Registration for the Armed Forces and Police Service Aptitude Test (AFPSAT) Examination to all qualified individuals.
He added that the Pre-Screening and Registration for AFPSAT Examination to all qualified individuals was conducted from December 21 and 22, 2023 at the Headquarters of 91st IB, Camp Jaime P. Bitong Sr., Barangay Calabuanan in this town.
The battalion commander also said that there is another round of pre-screening and registration set on January 12 to 13 next year for the AFPSAT in February.
“Interested individuals shall wear white t-shirts, Pants, and Closed Shoes. Bring their necessary requirements such as (ORIGINAL): -Diploma -Transcript of Records (TOR) -PSA-Issued Birth Certificate – Government issued valid ID.
For fresh graduates who were not able to get their diploma & TOR, they may present their certificate of graduation instead,” Recto said.
Recto added that the qualifications are College Graduate at least 4-year-course; 21-26 of age but not a day older than 27 on the start of the training; at least 5 feet in height; Single; without child or no parental obligation; Physically and mentally fit; and no pending case in any court.
Accordingly, the Officer Candidate Course is a pre-entry training conducted for Cadets as Officer Candidates to be commissioned into the Regular Force in the Philippine Army ready to deploy as Infantry Platoon Leaders upon completion. Recto also noted that the two-day recruitment caravan for the 135 applicants also underwent interviews to determine if they are qualified for the AFPSAT and training.
“We encouraged everyone to grab the opportunity to serve as the protector of the people, securing our land, preserving peace and harmony, and defending our country against terrorism and other forms of threats, whether of civilian or military nature…Good luck to everyone,” Recto said.
Registered Forester Roselle C. Demandante from Barangay Umiray Dingalan, Aurora said in an interview that the caravan served as a stepping stone to qualify in her dream to become one of the officers of the Philippine Army in the near future. Patrick C. Soriano from Dinalungan, Aurora expressed his sincerest thanks to 91st IB and APMC for bringing the caravan closer to people.
“It helps us to lessen our expenses instead of going to Manila for the pre-screening and registration, we are grateful that the caravan was conducted here in Aurora,” he said.
