Philippines’ defense college updates leadership program, looks to future
Maria T. Reyes
The National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP) is revising its graduate-level program for senior military and civilian leaders to ensure the master’s degree in national security administration (MNSA) curriculum reflects modern warfare and technology.
Administered by the Philippines Department of National Defense, the course aims to cultivate a “strategic and critical mindset” in preparing future leaders. The one-year program offers security insights to executives and military officers with ranks of captain and above.
Students delve into sociocultural, political-legal, economic, techno-scientific, environmental and military dimensions of security management through coursework, case studies, regional security studies and academic travel, according to the NDCP.
“With the fundamental goal of producing defense and national security leaders, the MNSA program equips its scholars with the ideal academic aptitude and the right practical skills that are pertinent to conventional, emerging and dynamic non-traditional security threats,” the NDCP told FORUM.
For example, to keep up with recent developments, the program’s technology and security module will emphasize modern over conventional warfare. The NDCP has formed partnerships and connected with cutting-edge defense industry managers, subject matter experts and international authorities who can expound on pertinent innovations and real-world scenarios relevant to MNSA students. Participants also will engage in defense and security activities to enhance their research output and strengthen international ties.
The college meanwhile is reassessing admission requirements, including lowering rank and salary-grade requirements for military officers and civilian government officials, respectively.
The program’s goal is to equip students for what lies ahead. “It ensures that the College’s students, as soon as they graduate, are prepared to comprehend and address situations that require a thorough understanding of national security issues, applying strategies and analytical thinking in crafting solutions and options,” the NDCP stated.
One likely topic is the South China Sea — specifically the area that Filipinos call the West Philippine Sea, where conflicting territorial claims have led to disputes and increasingly violent confrontations with the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
“The issues on the West Philippine Sea are being looked at through the lenses of area security, technology, national security policy, strategy and military operations, and international security affairs. These are key aspects where the MNSA program’s gamut of knowledge contributes to strategy formulation and policy options to deal with and address national security issues and concerns,” according to the NDCP.
The Philippines faces significant defense challenges in the South China Sea. The PRC’s expansive maritime claims, bolstered by its construction and militarization of artificial islands, have intensified tensions, raising concerns over Philippine sovereignty and the security of fishing and energy resources. The presence of Chinese maritime militia and coast guard vessels has led to frequent confrontations, undermining regional stability and prompting the Philippines to strengthen its defense alliances and enhance its military capabilities.
Through its six decades, the NDCP has graduated hundreds of national security scholars and leaders, including military officers, high-ranking government officials, private-sector executives and foreign military officers. A notable alumni was Fidel V. Ramos, the first alumnus of the College and the Philippines’ 12th president.
Maria T. Reyes is a FORUM contributor reporting from Manila, Philippines
