The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), through its Graduate School of Public and Development Management (GSPDM), officially welcomed the third batch of the Certificate Course in National and International Security (CCNIS) during a virtual opening ceremony on 24 June 2025.

The class is composed of 36 co-learners from both the public and private sectors, reflecting a diverse range of background and expertise. In attendance are officers and employees of  National Security Council, House of Representatives, Department of Justice, United Nations Secretariat, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, National Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Customs Port of Clark, GSIA Security Agency Inc. & PADPAO, ACEN Operations Services, Inc., Bacolod City Water District, Local Government Unit-Butuan City, Anti-Red Tape Authority, Laguna State Polytechnic University,  Gulf Asia International Corporation, Lionheart Farms, Inc., National Power Corporation-Mindanao Generation, Central Luzon Basic Homes, Inc., Department of Public Works and Highways, Office for Transport Security, Department of Science and Technology, Semper Fidelis Services Inc., Valenzuela City Command, Control, and Communication Center, House of Refuge Foundation Inc., National Power Corporation, Jose Rizal Memorial State University, , Local Government Unit-Palayan City, Nueva Ecija, Philippine Ports Authority Panay/Guimaras Port Police Division and Verizon.

In her welcome remarks, GSPDM Dean, Dr. Lizan E. Perante-Calina, underscored the growing relevance of security studies in today’s challenging times. She also reaffirmed GSPDM unwavering commitment to shaping leaders as agents for nation-building, security, and development.

Program Manager Alyn Joy Baltazar of the Security Governance and Development Cluster Program provided an overview of the program and shared guidelines for online learning sessions. CCNIS Batch 3 Learning Manager Clemente Vergara then facilitated the expectation-setting and pre-test to assess the students’ readiness for the course. 

The opening ceremony was followed by the class’ first session, National and International Security Environment, conducted by faculty-in-charge, Dr. Chester B. Cabalza. 

The CCNIS Batch 3 program consists of 10 sessions covering a wide range of topics relevant to national and international security, all delivered by esteemed subject matter experts. The course spans five weeks and is set to conclude on 25 July 2025.