07/07/2026
TEN NEW OFFICERS FROM SOUTHERN LEYTE: GUNDAWAY AND TALAGILAB, RISING TO LEAD THE NATION
Today is a historic and glorious day at the Officer Candidate School of the Philippine Army. From our beloved Province of Southern Leyte, ten young, capable, and gallant 2nd Lieutenants have officially received their commissions, standing tall as the newest leaders of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. They belong to two outstanding classes, each bearing a name that speaks of their character and their calling: OCC Class 64‑2026 “GUNDAWAY”, and OCC ROTC Class 03‑2026 “TALAGILAB”.
From OCC CLASS 64‑2026 “GUNDAWAY”, our province proudly presents:
✅ 2LT JOMAR SILAB PA
✅ 2LT JEANICEL SABINO PA
✅ 2LT ALFRED SALMERON PA
✅ 2LT GEBOY GARVEZ PA
✅ 2LT JEANETTE LAYO PA
✅ 2LT PSYCHE MARIZ DUTERTE PA
✅ 2LT REO S. MILCHOR PA
✅ 2LT JESSUEL J. OLOJAN PA
And from OCC ROTC CLASS 03‑2026 “TALAGILAB”, whose very title declares they were forged through the citizen military training pathway:
✅ 2LT MELVIN BRIONES PA
✅ 2LT MYLENE V. CABAL PA
As the Administrator for Reservist and ROTC Training of Southern Leyte, I stand before you with a heart overflowing with pride, gratitude, and deep fulfillment. This moment is not just a ceremony—it is tangible, undeniable proof that our mission has succeeded. For years, we have worked with one clear vision: to produce competent, honorable, and service‑driven young officers for the Armed Forces of the Philippines who trace their foundation of leadership, discipline and patriotism to the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps.
Let the record be clear and true: a few among them qualified through other valid entry paths, and we honor their dedication equally. But the great majority—eight from Gundaway and both from Talagilab—are proud products of ROTC. We know their stories well. We saw 2LT Reo S. Milchor PA when his heart was broken because his name was not on the first list, only to rise stronger through faith and receive his place in God’s perfect time. We watched 2LT Mylene V. Cabal PA, born to comfort and fair as daylight, choose to stay and train among the men—waking before dawn, running alone while others rested, soaking her uniform in sweat until the unfamiliar became easy, and weakness turned into strength.
These ten carry that same spirit. They are the living answer to every doubt raised about the program: ROTC is alive, it is relevant, and it remains one of our strongest, most reliable pipelines of leaders for our nation. They learned first to stand at attention, to march in step, to obey before commanding, to place service above self, and to love God and country above all else—inside the classrooms, the parade grounds, and the training fields of our ROTC units here in Southern Leyte. Every early morning run under heat or rain, every written examination, every grueling physical test, every interview that probed character, every moment of weariness and every prayer lifted up—all of it led to this day.
To 2LT Jomar, 2LT Jeanicel, 2LT Alfred, 2LT Geboy, 2LT Jeanette, 2LT Psyche Mariz, 2LT Reo, 2LT Jessuel, 2LT Melvin and 2LT Mylene: you are more than just new officers. You are Southern Leyte’s finest gift to the Philippine Army. Wear your rank with humility, your uniform with integrity, and your oath with unbreakable resolve. You have proven that great leaders do not only come from big cities—they rise from our towns, our schools, and our homes, molded by values we hold dear.
To the families, the school administrators, the training staff, the unit commanders and everyone who walked this road with them: we did it. And this is only the beginning. We will continue to mold, to guide, and to produce more officers of character, because a strong ROTC builds a strong Reserve Force—and a strong Reserve Force builds a stronger, safer Philippines.
Gundaway! Talagilab! You have answered the call. Now go forth, lead bravely, serve faithfully, and always make Southern Leyte proud.
MABUHAY KAYONG LAHAT! MABUHAY ANG HUKBONG KATIHAN NG PILIPINAS! 🇵🇭⚔️
