The Philippine Center of Excellence in Defense, Development, and Security (PCEDS) unveiled the National Security Administrator’s Guide to Gender, Peace, and Security during a launching ceremony held on 20 March 2023 at the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP), Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo.

Co-developed with the Women and Gender Institute of Miriam College, the handbook will serve as a guide for national security administrators and leaders in mainstreaming the gender, peace, and security (GPS) agenda as a cross-cutting issue in security. The handbook contains the following chapters: International Commitments and Policy Imperatives; Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) in Southeast Asia; Philippine National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security; Gains and Challenges of the Philippines; From WPS to GPS; and the Role of National Security Administrators in Advancing GPS Goals and Objectives.

The publication marks another milestone in the gender and development, or GAD, efforts of the NDCP. The handbook was also launched amid the celebration of National Women’s Month.

In his closing remarks, LtGen Ferdinand M Cartujano PAF(Ret), President of the NDCP, said the PCEDS-led activity manifests the College’s endeavors and commitment to ensuring security for all. “As we celebrate our upcoming Diamond Jubilee Anniversary, we are steadfast in our commitment to continuously provide our stakeholders with the highest degree of excellence in strategic planning and defense—with special emphasis in the realm of inclusive security,” LtGen Cartujano noted.

More than a hundred individuals graced the launching event, including officials from the Department of National Defense and its bureaus, NDCP alumni, and students of the Master in National Security Administrators (MNSA) Regular Class 58 and MNSA Senior Executives Class 02.