DAP-GSPDM HOLDS Graduation Ceremony for the Master in Public Management Major in Development and Security Batch 21

The culmination of hard work and dedication has finally come to fruition as 111 co-learners of the Master in Public Management major in Development and Security (MPM-DevSec) Batch 21 march with pride during their Graduation Rites at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Commissioned Officers Club last December 11, 2023. The graduates consisted of student-officers from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and allied nations, including South Korea, India and Malaysia.

The momentous occasion began with a welcome message from the CGSC Commandant, Col Rogelio F Luna PROF (MNSA), who expressed his pride in recognizing the accomplishments of the student-officers for successfully finishing the course. He emphasized the ever-evolving nature of the world, and the urgent need to prepare for the challenges that the future holds.

This was then followed by the Presentation of MPM-DevSec Batch 21 Candidates for Graduation by the Dean of Graduate School of Public and Development Management, Dr. Lizan E. Peranta-Calina and the Conferment of the MPM-DevSec Degree by the President and CEO of the Development Academy of the Philippines, Atty. Engelber C. Caronan Jr., MNSA.

The most-awaited highlight of the ceremony was the awarding of diplomas and medallions for those with academic achievements. These were awarded by the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines: Gen Romeo S Brawner Jr PA, AFPETDC Commander: MGen Marvin L Licudine PA, CGSC Commandant: Col Rogelio F Luna (MNSA), President and CEO of DAP: Atty. Engelbert C. Caronan Jr., MNSA, and the Dean of the DAP- Graduate School of Public and Development Management: Dr. Lizan E. Perante-Calina. 

Special awards were also given to the outstanding student-officers of the MPM DevSec program. LTC Albert M Batingga PA was awarded Best Master’s Thesis for his paper entitled “Army Intelligence Force Structure: Support to Maneuver Forces in Hybrid Warfare. On the other hand, LTC Ali B Sumagil PA was honored with the Leadership Award.

Several co-learners also received the Dean’s Special Citation for producing well-written papers; among them are: LTC Philmer M Fernandez PA, LTC Pablo M Masa-ad PA, LTC Gilbert Fortin PAF, LTC Ricky Anthony N Aguilar PA, CDR Jennifer S Monforte PN, LTC Marvin T Salvan PN (M), LTC Aeron T Gumabao PA, LTC Nnancy R Dacanay PAF, CDR Alfredo P Cayabyab JR PN, LTC Rodelia Marie F Peel JAGS, LTC Jhayson B Sibayan PA, LTC Albert M Batingga PA, and LTC Mark Lester M Cabunoc PA.

Following the distribution of awards, the ceremony was concluded by an uplifting message from the guest of honor and speaker, GEN Romeo S Brawner Jr PA. In his speech, GEN Brawner urged the co-learners to become leaders that would inspire greatness to others. Furthermore, he echoed the need to continuously adapt to the challenges of the rapidly changing world by utilizing the knowledge and skill that they have acquired in the course. It is with great confidence that he sent off the students with well wishes for their careers and their continued service. 

The MPM DevSec is a twinning program of the Command General Staff College and Development Academy of the Philippines for almost 15 years. It is managed by the Security Governance and Diplomacy Cluster (SGDC) composed of: Alyn Joy D. Baltazar, Program Manager; Precious P. Reforma, Learning Manager; Clemente I D. Vergara, Co-Learning Manager; and the Learning Associates of SGD namely: Gabriella Reign Mangaliag; Regina M. Miciano, Maria Francesca Lagran, Maurice Agustin, Hanah Hadaza B. De Ocampo and Aya Camille B. Porral.