Another activity of the Philippine Seapower Initiative (PSI) project was completed after the Philippine Center of Excellence in Defense, Development, and Security (PCEDS) of the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP) conducted the Regional Stakeholders’ Consultation on 12 December 2022 via Zoom. The PSI is an extension project of the College related to developing a maritime security white paper for the defense sector.

Covering matters on maritime security threats, risks, and challenges in the Asia-Pacific Region, the activity gathered perspectives and insights from experts coming from Australia, France, South Korea, and the U.S. Particularly, the participants of the regional consultation discussed critical issues surrounding the state of maritime security in the Asia-Pacific Region for the past and next decade.

LtGen Ferdinand M Cartujano PAF(Ret), President of the NDCP, closed the event, highlighting that the NDCP, as the country’s highest defense and security learning institution, has been determined to develop the PSI to support the promotion of a maritime-oriented defense and security approach.

“In the pursuit of peace, stability, security, and the rules-based order at sea, the College has found it imperative to invite like-minded partners to ensure that the region remains open and accessible, with its seas and skies governed and utilized according to the generally accepted principles of international law,” LtGen Cartujano added.

by Mar Jensen L Arinto, Project Development Officer II