24/06/2024
On 21 June 2024, two distinguished alumni of our ROTC program, 2LT KIMPEE P PUH-HAY PA and 2LT JOHN VIANNEY T PUDDUNAN PA paid a courtesy call to their former unit after successfully graduating from Officer Candidate School (OCS) as members of OCC "ARAMSIDLAK " CL 60-24. Their visit was a significant event, serving as an inspiration to current cadets and a testament to the effectiveness of our training program.
The visit began with a warm welcome at headquarters, 1404 CDC, 14RCDG, RCPA in So Bahawit Pob West, Lagawe, Ifugao. COL OSCAR B BALIGNASAY JR INF (GSC) PA, the Center Director, along with the personnel of the center and current cadet leadership, welcomed the alumni. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and pride as the alumni, now commissioned officers, returned to the place where their military careers first begun.
Following the reception, 2nd Lieutenant PUH-HAY and 2nd Lieutenant PUDDUNAN met with the Reservists and current ROTC cadets in the multipurpose hall. The alumni shared their experiences from OCS, highlighting the rigorous training, the challenges they faced, and the skills they developed. They emphasized the importance of the foundational training received during their ROTC years, crediting it as a crucial factor in their success at OCS.
Their stories resonated deeply with the cadets, many of whom aspire to follow in their footsteps. The alumni offered practical advice on how to prepare for OCS, stressing the importance of physical fitness, leadership qualities, and mental resilience. They also answered questions from the cadets, providing insights into the life of an officer and the responsibilities that come with it.
After the interactive session, the alumni joined the personnel, reservists and ROTC cadets in a simple boodle fight.
In their remarks, the alumni encouraged the cadets to remain dedicated and focused on their goals, reassuring them that the training and values instilled in them by the ROTC program would serve them well in their future military careers.
The courtesy call by the two alumni was a resounding success, leaving a lasting impact on both the cadets and the ROTC staff. It reinforced the value of the ROTC program in shaping future leaders and provided current cadets with tangible examples of success.
The alumni's achievements and their willingness to give back to their former unit were powerful motivators, inspiring the next generation of officers to strive for excellence.