SENATOR Loren Legarda batted for the establishment of the Philippine Defense University System, part of her move to put defense and security education on top of her legislative agenda.

In pushing Senate Bill 498, Legarda sought to ensure a holistic, integrated and comprehensive defense and security education that is attuned to the national security requirements.

The measure aims to link defense institutions through a more comprehensive and integrated system to prevent functional overlaps and curriculum fragmentation.

The institutions covered by this measure include the Philippine Military Academy, the Command and General Staff College, the National Defense College of the Philippines, and the Special Intelligence Training School.

Legarda underscored the critical role of defense and security education in molding strategic leaders and decision-makers in national security practice.

“I will continue to be your champion because defense and security is part of my system as a member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines family,” she said.

In 2017, Legarda supported the creation of the Philippine Center for Excellence in Defense, Development and Security.