PHILIPPINE EMBASSY WELCOMES GEORGETOWN SECURITY STUDIES DELEGATION FOR STUDY VISIT ON PH–U.S. DEFENSE RELATIONS

PRESS RELEASE
WDC-80-2025

04 December 2025

Embassy Press and Information Section

info@phembassy-us.org

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On 03 December 2025, the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. hosted a study visit by a delegation of 19 students from the Georgetown University Security Studies Program, Walsh School of Foreign Service, as part of its continuing efforts to strengthen academic exchange and policy dialogue on defense and security between the Philippines and the United States. The engagement brought together mid-career professionals and emerging security practitioners 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 O. DERILO, the Defense Attaché, and the Philippine Embassy, represented by Minister and Consul LENNA EILLEEN C. DE DIOS-SISON, Political and Legislative Officer, with the participation of COL LEE M. SARPAMONES and CAPT JAMES FRANCIS P. LUGTU, Air and Naval Attaché, respectively.

The program commenced with a prepared video presentation setting the strategic context of the Philippines’ national defense posture, followed by a substantive briefing delivered by CAPT LUGTU, which provided a comprehensive overview of the evolving security situation in the South China Sea/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 and outlined the broader geopolitical implications for regional stability, freedom of navigation and international law. Capt. Lugtu also highlighted the Philippines’ calibrated responses in close coordination with allies and partners, underscoring the country’s firm commitment to defending its sovereign rights while promoting peace, deterrence and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.

An interactive question-and-answer session followed, during which students engaged Embassy officials on maritime security, alliance interoperability, and the broader implications of great-power competition in Southeast Asia, allowing for a productive exchange of perspectives.

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.

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