Brief History of the National Defense College of the Philippines

The Philippine Constitution declares that "the defense of the state is the prime duty of every citizen." The National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP) was created to be the key educational institution for training the country's sectoral leaders in various aspects of national defense, strategy, and security.

Since its founding more than four decades ago, the College has evolved into a premier academic institution for defense and security studies in the Philippines and the Asia region.

In August 1963, the staunch nationalist, then President Diosdado Macapagal, established the defense policy school to turn the cream of Filipino public servant into world class statesmen.

The College is at the forefront in propagating a fresh and contemporary perspective and focus in this vital field of knowledge. Its robust network of institutional affiliation with numerous local and foreign entities, both in public and private agencies has provided it with a plethora of academic resources, both human and material, thus enriching its experiences in the history of public service.

The NDCP consistently adhered to the vision to become a highly reputable educational and doctrinal center for national defense and security, strategic thinking and leadership development that is dynamic and responsive.

Today, the College exemplifies its role in proactively producing highly qualified and technically competent graduates to manage and administer the defense and security policies of the country through the offering of its multi-disciplinary degree program, Master in National Security Administration (MNSA). NDCP has produced thousands of graduates who have risen to the top ranks of the Philippine bureaucracy.

The graduates of the College have been recruited from leaders in the military and defense establishments, the foreign service, the judiciary and legislature, the local government and even the private sector.

The College is proud to produce illustrious alumni, including a former Philippine President, a Vice President of the Republic, and some of the country's legislators from the Senate and House of Representatives.

Acknowledgment: Lifted from NDCP Primer.