The National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP) led by its President, LtGen Ferdinand M Cartujano PAF (Ret), held its New Year’s Call on 16 January 2023, coinciding with the Send-off Ceremony for the retirement of the outgoing Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean, Prof Dr Jose Santos R Carandang VI MNSA.

In his speech, LtGen Cartujano highlighted the achievements of the College last year such as maintaining its ISO 9001:2015 Certification, simultaneous conduct of the Master in National Security Administration (MNSA) Regular Course 58 and the National Security Studies Program Class 4, the successful conduct of the MNSA RC 57and the English Language Course (ELC), the completion of Executive Policy Briefs and a President’s Paper on the Future of Philippine Warfare Volume II, NDCP’s partnership with the Office of Naval Strategic Studies and Strategy Management and the Ateneo School of Government, to name a few.

He also acknowledged the collective efforts of the NDCP personnel in the aforementioned accomplishments. The NDCP President expressed hopes that the tangible gains could encourage everyone to keep the enthusiasm, effort, and perseverance towards greater heights for the College in the new year.

He also thanked Prof Dr Carandang for his contributions in the Academic Affairs Division in the last two years. Lastly, he welcomed the new Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean, Prof Dr Alan A Lachica, and shared the vision of making NDCP a world-class defense and security educational institution by 2028.

Director Dinna Anna Lee L Cartujano of DND, NDCP Personnel, MNSA RC 58 students, and MNSA Module Directors graced the event.

By Hillary Anne S Atondo