The National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP), led by its President, LtGen Ferdinand M Cartujano PAF (Ret), participated in the 16th Track II Network of ASEAN Defence and Security Institutions (NADI) Annual Meeting held in Jakarta, Indonesia on 13-16 March 2023, with the theme, “Strengthening Defense and Security for ASEAN as the Epicentrum of Growth.”

The Track II NADI is a platform for various organizations from ASEAN countries to freely discuss defense and security cooperation in the region, as well as ideas and proposals that may be deemed too sensitive to be tabled in official, Track I engagements. NADI participants are encouraged to think even beyond their respective governments’ positions in order to provide new ideas on cooperation.

The Acting Chief of the Research and Special Studies Division and concurrently the Public Information Officer, Mr Manmar C Francisco, as well as Defense Research Officer Vince Andre C Sabellon, joined General Cartujano as part of the NDCP delegation. Mr Sabellon also presented a paper entitled, “Regional Defense and Security Challenges,” where he put forward recommendations on how to manage or overcome a number of regional security issues.

In his remarks, General Cartujano said that “ASEAN has to face both traditional and non-traditional security challenges that are, to a large extent, intertwined with each other. Many times, one challenge is better seen, managed, and solved in relation to a host of other acute challenges. These challenges test our resolve in promoting a cohesive regional community that is at peace with itself and in harmony with the world.”

Participation in NADI is integral to the international defense and security engagements of NDCP. NDCP’s involvement in NADI is in line with the College’s thrust to benchmark and explore ties with counterpart institutions, as well as share views on a number of defense and security issues.