As the ever-evolving security challenges continue to transform the worldwide landscape, students and guests of the University of San Agustin were given an opportunity to acquire insights from a seasoned expert on security.
Entitled “Navigating National Security Challenges in a Complex World,” the forum, hosted by the College of Liberal Arts, Sciences and Education (CLASE) Social Sciences Unit, was held last 6 May 2024 at the University of San Agustin Review Center with speakers representing the armed forces and the academe.
Army Colonel Lennon G. Babilonia, an accomplished scholar gave a thought-provoking discussion on national security aimed at engaging and educating the university students. Col. Babilonia discussed what national security is, traced the government programs on national security, his personal insights on national security. Drawing upon his experience and expertise, Col. Babilonia delivered an informative presentation that shed light on the intricacies of national security and the importance of proactive measures in safeguarding the interests of nations and their citizens. He emphasized the importance of leaders having an understanding of national security, and its connection to economic security, leadership and national strategy. He also emphasized the importance of a long-term vision for the country, clear and consistent national interests and clear foreign policies.
On the other hand, Dr. Nora P. Legaspi, a distinguished former USA educator and Dean of both the Colleges of Education and Arts and Sciences, provided an educational perspective on national security, emphasizing the importance of education in national security, especially the role of teaching positive values and attitudes in peace education in ensuring the political stability and economic security of the country.
Both speakers and the forum itself provided students with a platform to ask and explore critical issues on national security.
Throughout the forum, students had the opportunity to pose questions, share perspectives, and engage in lively discussions with Col. Babilonia, Dr. Legaspi, faculty, guests and students. The forum fostered a dynamic exchange of ideas and insights, enriching the learning experience for all participants, underscored the role of higher educational institutions and the interconnected nature of national security and the need for interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing global challenges.
Dr. Nenelyn de la Fuente, Dean of CLASE, in her welcome remarks, said, “The definition of National Security…must now be broadened to be useful and more successful” as issues related to national security nowadays have become “more broader, more complex and more diverse”. She further mentioned that general trends and developments, as climate change, natural disasters, immigration, terrorism, pandemic, West Philippine Sea issue, have adverse implications of security. She further pointed out the need for Filipinos to prioritize the issue of national security so as to equip them with the necessary tools to address the challenges of national security.
As the forum drew to a close, faculty and participants expressed their gratitude to Col. Babilonia and Dr. Legaspi for their talk on national security, as it served as a reminder of the ongoing importance of fostering dialogue about the multifaceted challenges of national security.
The Social Sciences Unit also recently held an inter-university sharing of best practices at the same venue last 8 May 2024. The seminar-forum drew faculty from Central Philippine University, West Visayas State University and the University of San Agustin, to share best practices on GE (General Education) courses, such Readings in Philippine History, The Contemporary World, Rizal and Gender and Society. CLASE’s faculty, Professors Geff Sagala, James Amsua, Justin Bionat and Michelle Bayaua, were joined by reactors, USA Professors Maria Christy Daguay and Gordon Guillergan to deliver insights on teaching best practices for the said courses. The seminar aimed to foster not only the sharing of best practices in teaching the courses, but also for potential collaboration and networking.
The Social Sciences Unit is led by its academic supervisor, Dr. Edwin C. Samis. –MRB
