The Philippine Center of Excellence in Defense, Development, and Security (PCEDS) of the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP) partnered with the Ateneo School of Government (ASoG) for the first Syjuco Convention: National Defense Education and Leadership on 23 May 2023 at the NDCP Honor Hall, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo.

Named after the eighth President of the NDCP, BGen Jose G Syjuco, the convention sought to start a mechanism for collaboration among the educational and training units under the Department of National Defense (DND). The project also served as a platform for leveling, scoping, and sharing information to fortify the delivery of cutting-edge education and training programs to build the competencies of defense and national security professionals.

The first part of the convention focused on research studies on defense education and leadership, wherein Assoc Prof Rej C Torrecampo, Director of PCEDS, and Dr Ruth Rosario Gerochi, Lead Mentor and Core Faculty Member of ASoG, served as presenters. Facilitated by Ms Cecilia Bulos of ASoG, the second part of the activity—the workshop—provided an avenue for participants to discuss issues and exchange ideas.

In his closing remarks, LtGen Ferdinand M Cartujano PAF(Ret), President of the NDCP, emphasized that it is possible to attain a more synergized defense and security education system through the collective efforts of the DND’s training units. “It is entrusted in our hands as knowledge-bearing organizations to raise the intellectual and strategic capabilities of the men and women in our major services, as well as civilians involved in the defense sector,” LtGen Cartujano added.

BGen Krishnamurti Mortela PA, Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Education, Training, and Doctrine of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) served as the keynote speaker during the activity. Meanwhile, nearly 40 officials and personnel took part in the first iteration of the convention, primarily from the DND, AFP, and its training units.