Department of National Defense (DND) officials led by DND Officer in Charge (OIC) Senior Undersecretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr, received students of the Master in National Security Administration (MNSA) program of the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP) Regular Class 58 (RC 58) during their field study visit held at the Office of Civil Defense New Administrative building on Monday, 22 May 2023.
The MNSA students were given briefings on the Defense Department and its bureaus as well as the DND’s International Defense and Security Engagements. This was followed by an open forum wherein senior defense officials answered questions from the RC58 class members led by Class President Atty. Teodoro Jose S. Mata of the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development.
Senior Undersecretary Galvez, joined by NDCP President Ferdinand M. Cartujano and some of the DND officials, emphasized that the field study visit is essential in the MNSA curriculum for the students to understand the institution. The activity likewise allows them to meet the Department officials who formulate policies, strategies, and decisions for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and four other civilian bureaus that have an impact on national defense and security.
Undersecretary for Strategic Assessment and Planning Ignacio B. Madriaga said that the MNSA program is the pinnacle of military education in the country, applying a multi-pronged approach to establishing a deeper understanding of different national, regional, and global security trends and their effect on states.
“It is important to be attentive to how different global issues have national security implications. We live in an era when the world is intently observing the developments in the Indo-Pacific, a theater where the Philippines plays a crucial role,” Undersecretary Madriaga added.
Currently, there are 65 students in the program, with 26 officers from the Philippine Army (PA), nine officers from the Philippine Air Force (PAF), eight sailors and marines of the Philippine Navy (PN), three from the technical and administrative services, eight foreign military students from Bangladesh, Brunei, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, and Nigeria, 10 students from government institutions, and one from the private sector.
NDCP President Cartujano assured the students that the learnings they gained will be put to good use.
“With the gainful discussion we had today, I know that this briefing provided the opportunity for the exchange of both the students and the DND and to have wider perspective on the inner workings of the various aspects of security,” he added.
Galvez assured that the NDCP will continuously enjoy the support it needs as it molds the future national security leaders through quality education, training, and research on defense and national security.
“To the members of the MNSA RC 58, I wish you the best as you strive to meet the rigors and challenges of your academic life amid the demands of your profession and personal life,” said the Defense Chief.
