DAP-GSPDM HOLDS AWARDING CEREMONY FOR THE EXECUTIVE COURSE IN PUBLIC MANAGEMENT BATCH 5 PROGRAM

Spirits were high last November 28, 2023, as the DAP Graduate School through its Security Governance and Diplomacy Cluster awarded a total of fifty-four (54) Filipino and one (1) Indonesian student-officer from the Philippine Air Force Officer School (PAFOS) for completing the Executive Course in Public Management Batch 5 program. The momentous occasion which started with a warm welcome from Dr. Lizan Perante-Calina, Dean of the Graduate School, was held at the DAP Conference Center in Tagaytay City.

In her opening remarks, Dean Calina echoed the importance of continuous upskilling and enhancement of the research and management competencies among future PAF officers for them to innovatively address rapidly evolving challenges and geopolitical issues that confront the Philippine military. She hopes that the capacity-building partnership with PAFOS through the program will continually support ongoing efforts to bolster the country’s national security.

Following the distribution of certificates, ECPM Batch 5 Class President, Cpt Jamaicah Ann C Acojedo PAF eagerly congratulated her classmates and gave a brief message thanking both PAFOS and the DAP-GSPDM for their excellent academic delivery and facilitation. 

Aside from the students, the Graduate School also awarded PAFOS with a plaque of appreciation which the PAFOS commandant, Colonel Sadiri R Tabutol PAF (GSC), humbly accepted. Thereafter, the Commandant also gave a plaque to the Dean as an expression of gratitude, showing the strong commitment between the two institutions. 

Colonel Tabutol properly rounded the event by commending the dedication and perseverance of the fifty-five Captains and Major, describing their academic journey as a “voyage marked by intellectual exploration, refinement of leadership and the forging of bonds that undoubtedly stand the test of time.” Likewise, he recognized the guidance and mentorship of the DAP Graduate School. The ceremony officially ended with the singing of the DAP Hymn and a quick photo session.

After the end of the ceremony, everyone returned to the auditorium in the evening for the students’ socials which was hosted by the co-learners themselves as an opportunity to celebrate their achievement in completing the intensive program.

Also in attendance was ECPM Research Faculty-in-Charge, Dr. Mark Joseph T. Calano, and other staff and faculty of PAFOS including SOC 2023-B Course Director, Major Giljun Francis S Delizo PAF, PAFOS Asst. Head of the Academics Department, Major Aristotle B Magallanes Prof PAF, Asst. Director for Administration, 1LT Christine L Pepito PAF, and PAFOS Civilian Human Resource, Dr. Janice L. Bernabe.

The ECPM is a twinning program with the Philippine Air Force Officer School (PAFOS). This twinning program runs twice every year as part of the PAFOS Squadron Officer Course. It is managed by the Security Governance and Diplomacy Cluster (SGDC) composed of Ms. Alyn Joy D. Baltazar, Program Manager; Ms. Hanah Hadaza B. De Ocampo, Learning Manager; Ms. Precious P. Reforma, Mr. Clemente I D. Vergara, Ms. Aya Camille B. Porral, Mr. Maurice Jebb B. Agustin, Ms. Francesca N. Lagran, Ms. Regina M. Miciano, Ms. Gabriella Reign Mangaliag and Mr. Christopher Morales.