The Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., earlier this week hosted a study visit by a delegation of 19 students from the Georgetown University Security Studies Program, Walsh School of Foreign Service.
During the engagement, mid-career professionals and emerging security practitioners met for focused discussions on Philippine-United States defense relations and the evolving regional security environment.
The activity was jointly hosted by the Defense and Armed Forces Affairs Office, headed by BGen Roy Anthony Derilo, the Defense Attaché, and the Philippine Embassy, represented by Minister and Consul Lenna Eilleen De Dios-Sison, Political and Legislative Officer, with the participation of Col. Lee Sarpamones and Capt. James Francis Lugtu, Air and Naval Attaché, respectively.
The program started with a prepared video presentation setting the strategic context of the Philippines’ national defense posture.
This was followed by a briefing delivered by Lugtu, which provided a comprehensive overview of the evolving security situation in the South China Sea and West Philippine Sea, with particular emphasis on the Illegal, Coercive, Aggressive, and Deceptive (ICAD) activities of the People’s Republic of China.
The presentation examined recent operational developments across key maritime features, including Scarborough Shoal, Second Thomas Shoal, Sabina Shoal, and Pag-asa Island, outlining the broader geopolitical implications for regional stability, freedom of navigation, and international law.
During the interactive question-and-answer session that followed, students engaged Embassy officials on maritime security, alliance interoperability, and the broader implications of great-power competition in Southeast Asia.
The study visit concluded with a photo opportunity between Embassy officials and the visiting students, marking the successful conclusion of a meaningful academic and diplomatic engagement.
The Philippine Embassy reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining dialogue with academic institutions and future security leaders to advance mutual understanding of Philippine foreign and defense policy priorities in the Indo-Pacific.
