It is an immense honor and privilege to stand before you and join you in celebrating this prestigious institution’s sixty-first (61st) founding anniversary.
For more than six decades, the National Defense College of the Philippines has been a model of excellence in national security and defense education. It has been unwavering in its mission to train and educate future national security leaders and professionals who are not only knowledgeable but also deeply committed to safeguarding our nation’s sovereignty and security.
Suffice it to say, NDCP plays a crucial role in today’s geopolitical environment where rapid technological advancements bring a plethora of security challenges like territorial disputes, cybersecurity threats, terrorism, insurgency, and transnational crimes.
Addressing these security challenges requires a comprehensive approach. Accordingly, NDCP’s mandate holds the more true in preparing future national security leaders and professionals to tackle these issues through training, education, and special studies for policy-making.
The complexity and multifaceted nature of these challenges necessitates a heightened emphasis on the role of the NDCP in preparing our leaders to effectively address these pressing threats. This proactive stance is of greater importance now than ever before.
The ongoing territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea not only threaten our sovereignty and territorial integrity but also impact regional stability and maritime security.
At least for now, we can breathe a sigh of relief after reaching an interim agreement with China. This has reduced tension and maritime confrontations in the Ayungin Shoal, which have been increasing in frequency and intensity.
However, other equally distressing concerns persist. These include cybersecurity threats, which expose the country to cyber-attacks that can disrupt critical services and compromise sensitive data. Additionally, transnational crimes such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, and smuggling have far-reaching impacts on public safety as well.
In an Executive Policy Brief written by Christine Lisette Castillo, a Defense Research Officer II in the Research and Special Studies Division of NDCP, and published on June 24, it was noted that the pursuit of sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea is a national security interest that requires all instruments of national power, including cyber capabilities.
In her paper, Castillo said “The growing tension between the Philippines and China is reflected in cyberspace, where cyber espionage, cyber attacks, and malign information operations are widespread. Certainly, cybersecurity has long been a part of national security, and its importance in relation to the West Philippine Sea has been established.”[1]
I couldn’t agree more. Cyberattacks and misinformation campaigns have increased dramatically in the Philippines as geopolitical tensions escalate in the region, according to a report by US cybersecurity firm Resecurity which observed a significant increase of nearly 325 percent in malicious cyber activity targeting the Philippines in the early months of 2024, compared to the end of 2023.[2]
As your Chairperson of the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, I filed as early as January this year Senate Resolution No. 910 urging the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media to take a lead in investigating the alleged disinformation campaign on the West Philippine Sea as this tends to sow disunity and confusion among Filipinos, propagate false and unfounded narratives about the illegal activities and foreign encroachment within our waters, and undermine the country’s victory in the Permanent Court of Arbitration.
While the defense establishment is already monitoring and countering the false narratives, I agree with Ms. Castillo’s policy recommendation, and I mentioned in my filed resolution, that the anti-fake news campaign requires a whole-of-nation approach involving citizen empowerment and education to become truly effective.
The National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP) greatly contributes to national defense and security not only through its education and research initiatives but also through active policy advocacy and collaboration with diverse stakeholders. These efforts collectively strengthen the country’s national security posture.
For sixty-one years, the NDCP has played a pivotal role in the education and training of leaders responsible for safeguarding our nation’s security. This esteemed institution has consistently produced graduates adept in the intricacies of national security administration, possessing the essential attributes of critical thinking and leadership necessary to effectively navigate the complexities inherent in our modern world.
And it’s only fitting to give due recognition to those who have progressed in their careers and are holding positions of significant command responsibility in promoting our territorial integrity and sovereignty.
As we celebrate the 61st anniversary of the NDCP, let us honor the institution’s legacy and celebrate the accomplishments of its alumni who continue to make significant impacts in their fields.
Let’s recommit ourselves to the values and mission of NDCP as we face the challenges and opportunities ahead.
As I close, I’d like to share these words from the late President Ramon Magsaysay in his message to graduating students of the University of San Carlos: “(Young) people want action, and if they would listen to words, they must be words that lead to action.”
Thank you, and congratulations to the NDCP. May you continue to inspire, educate, and lead in the service of our beloved nation. Mabuhay ang NDCP! Mabuhay tayong lahat, mabuhay ang Pilipinas!
I couldn’t agree more. Cyberattacks and misinformation campaigns have increased dramatically in the Philippines as geopolitical tensions escalate in the region, according to a report by US cybersecurity firm Resecurity which observed a significant increase of nearly 325 percent in malicious cyber activity targeting the Philippines in the early months of 2024, compared to the end of 2023.[3]
As your Chairperson of the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, I filed as early as January this year Senate Resolution No. 910 urging the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media to take a lead in investigating the alleged disinformation campaign on the West Philippine Sea as this tend to sow disunity and confusion among Filipinos, propagate false and unfounded narratives about the illegal activities and foreign encroachment within our waters, and undermine the country’s victory in the Permanent Court of Arbitration.
While the defense establishment is already monitoring and countering the false narratives, I am one with Ms. Castillo’s policy recommendation, and I mentioned this in my filed resolution, that the anti-fake news campaign requires a whole-of-nation approach involving citizen empowerment and education in order to become truly effective.
The unity of the Filipino people with respect to the issue of the West Philippine Sea must be upheld and fostered amidst ongoing foreign state-sponsored efforts fomenting discord and division amongst the Philippine population.
NDCP’s contributions to national defense and security extend beyond education and research. This institution actively engages in policy advocacy and collaborates with various stakeholders to enhance the country’s national security posture.
And for sixty one years now, the NDCP has been in the forefront of educating and training the leaders who safeguard our nation’s security. This institution has produced graduates who are not only well-versed in national security administration but also equipped with the critical thinking and leadership skills necessary to navigate the complexities of our modern world.
And it’s only befitting to give due recognition to those who have progressed in their careers and occupying positions of major command responsibility in the promotion of our territorial integrity and sovereignty.
As we commemorate the sixty-first (61st) anniversary of the NDCP, let us honor the legacy of the institution and celebrate the achievements of the alumni who continue to make significant impacts in their respective fields.
And let us reaffirm our commitment to the value and mission of NDCP as we navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
In closing, let me borrow the words of American author: “True leaders understand that leadership is not about them but about those they serve. It is not about exalting themselves but about lifting others up.”
Thank you, and congratulations to the NDCP. May you continue to inspire, educate, and lead in the service of our beloved nation.
Mabuhay ang NDCP! Mabuhay tayong lahat, mabuhay ang Pilipinas!