21 March 2025, Quezon City, Philippines – Some 125 student officers from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and allied countries — Republic of Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, and India — successfully completed two programs: the Master in Public Management, major in Development and Security (MPM-DevSec) Batch 23 of the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP)-Graduate School of Public and Development Management (GSPDM), and the Command and General Staff Course (CGSC) Class 75, a twinning program of the AFP Command and General Staff College.
A joint graduation ceremony was held on AFPCOC, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City marking the culmination of the two programs. AFP Chief of Staff, Gen Romeo S Brawner Jr PA, served as the Guest of Honor and speaker, alongside key officers including AFPETDC Commander, MGen Francisco Lorenzo Jr PA, and CGSC Commandant, Col Rogelio F Luna PROF (MNSA). DAP Officer-in-Charge Magdalena L. Mendoza and GSPDM Dean Dr. Lizan E. Perante-Calina led the presentation of graduates, the conferral of degrees, and the distribution of diplomas and individual awards.
Among the MPM-DevSec Batch 23 student-officers, several individuals were recognized for their academic excellence. The following officers received the Certificate of Dean’s Special Citation as nominees for Best Master’s Thesis Award: Cdr Marineth R Domingo PN; Ltc Niel A Dedicatoria PA; Cdr Joseph T Dimayuga PN; Ltc Jeorge R Jallorina PA; Cdr Julius D Tuttoh PN; Ltc Zacarias Dexter P Follero PA; Cdr Stevenson C Tavares PN; Ltc Rey Vergel A Annogui PA; Cdr Randell C Saba PN; Ltc Jacquelyn C Cloma NC; Ltc Dwight L Libongcugon Jr PA; Ltc Marlon M Graciano PA; Ltc Samuel T Osias PA; and Cdr Anabel M Periodico PN.
Cdr Julius D Tuttoh PN, was awarded the Best Master’s Thesis award for his thesis entitled “Joint Littoral Operations: Enhancing Interoperability to Address State and Non-State Sponsored Threats.” Meanwhile, Cdr Danish M Ruiz PCG, received the Leadership Award for his outstanding leadership qualities he demonstrated throughout the program, showing a strong commitment to Development and Security leadership.
In his commencement address, Gen Brawner emphasized the value of continuous learning and personal development. He urged the graduates to remain committed to lifelong learning and to lead with strength and empathy. He noted that the true measure of leadership lies not in one’s rank but in the ability to inspire others through action. Gen Brawner also highlighted the AFP’s ongoing efforts to adapt to the changing nature of warfare and the importance of multilateral collaboration to uphold a rules-based order in accordance with international laws. He expressed gratitude to DAP for providing the graduates with an opportunity to excel in their careers.
The MPM-DevSec is a 39-unit master’s degree program aimed at building the competencies of future leaders within the overarching framework of development and security, providing public management education to the military to enable them to partner with civilians more effectively.