As part of the modules of the National Security Studies Program (NSSP), 78 students of the NSSP Class 05 took part in the tabletop exercises on 28-29 September 2023 at the National Defense College of the Philippines, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Focusing on individual and collective decision-making, the students were divided into 3 sets of 17 government agencies representing the components of the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea. The tabletop exercise sought to test the student’s ability to apply their learnings in simulated national security decision-making scenarios that they might eventually encounter in the future once they take higher positions of responsibility. This exercise provided a platform for the students to assess local crises, collaborate with the proper agencies, and implement decisions that have the least risk and downsides.

In the closing remarks of LtGen Ferdinand M Cartujano PAF(Ret), President of the NDCP, he challenged the students to be life-long learners as they are all beacons for the future generation.