The Philippine Center of Excellence in Defense, Development, and Security (PCEDS) held its first staff development workshop this year titled “Design Fundamentals and Publication Workshop” on 10 February 2022. Spearheaded by the Center’s Creatives and Publication Section (CPS), the workshop was simultaneously conducted online via Zoom Teleconferencing and on-site at the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP) Multi-Purpose Hall.

The activity featured three (3) speakers from the design industry: Ms Dianne Santos-Coronel of Digital Room Inc., who delved into the fundamentals of design; Ms Ruth Valorie Catabijan of St. Matthews Publishing Corp., who discussed publication processes and copyright; and PCEDS’ CPS head, Mr Apolinario Aquino Jr, who showcased productivity tools for creatives.

During the workshop, participants were given the opportunity to have hands-on activities on creating and editing posters and similar visual communication materials. There was also a breakout session during the second half of the event, wherein they were able to discuss their book projects and design pegs with their fellow participants.

BGen Archimedes H Viaje AFP (Ret), PhD, MNSA, CESE, President of the NDCP, capped off the event, acknowledging the obstacles surrounding alternative working arrangements brought about by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. President Viaje explained that online communication can pose a challenge due to varying communication styles, inconsistencies in messaging, the informality of some platforms, and an overload of information.

“We, at the NDCP, are steadfast in our commitment to continuously develop as the learning machine of our defense establishment, despite our current circumstances. We believe that as a learning institution, it is our responsibility to look out for emerging issues, patterns, and trends that influence our ability to deliver our education and research mandate,” the president added.

More than 30 individuals from various government agencies and units participated in the PCEDS-led workshop. Some of the institutions include the Department of National Defense, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, Armed Forces of the Philippines Corps of Professors, Philippine Army, and Quezon City University.