The National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP), led by its President, LtGen Ferdinand M Cartujano PAF (Ret), held the Commencement Exercises for the National Security Studies Program (NSSP) Class 04 on 04 May 2023 at the NDCP Auditorium.

A total of 67 senior officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) successfully completed the NSSP. They are composed of 48 officers from the Philippine Army, 9 officers from the Philippine Navy, 8 officers from the Philippine Air Force, 1 from the Corps of Professors, and 1 from the Veterinary Corps.

The Guest of Honor and Speaker, and the Chief of Staff, AFP, GEN ANDRES C CENTINO PA, was represented by the Vice Chief of Staff, AFP, LTGEN ARTHUR MIRASOL CORDURA PAF. On behalf of the Chief of Staff, LtGen Cordura congratulated the NSSP graduates and emphasized how the end of a journey was the beginning of a new one. He underscored that the knowledge imparted by Filipino scholars and international experts would be important tools in their arsenal as they march onward to lead their respective offices.

The NSSP Class 4 adopted a HyFlex (hybrid and flexible) mode of learning as pandemic restrictions have eased. This allowed the class to conduct face-to-face lectures and academic enhancement travel to Palawan and Pag-asa Island.

Per DND Department Circular Number 16 dated 1 September 2020, the NSSP is a bridging program exclusively for AFP officers in the O-6 grade who are qualified to occupy O-7 positions.