On October 18, 2024, PTC hosted a learning session for students of the Master of Arts in Global Policy (MAGP) program from Johns Hopkins University (JHU), led by Professor Siniša Vuković, at the Legaspi Room of First Maritime Place. The event brought together leading resource persons to discuss critical topics related to Philippine security, peace, and geopolitics.

The discussions began with Commodore Jay Tarriela, Philippine Coast Guard Spokesperson on West Philippine Sea Concerns, who focused on maritime security and the West Philippine Sea. He provided an in-depth analysis of the strategic importance of the West Philippine Sea and the ongoing challenges posed by geopolitical tensions in the region.

Senior Undersecretary Isidro L. Purisima from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) shared insights into the Philippine Peace Process Architecture. He outlined the country's approach to peacebuilding, with a focus on conflict resolution frameworks and the ongoing efforts to achieve lasting peace.

The final presentation was delivered by Richard Heydarian, an Asia-based academic, author, and policy adviser, who provided an expert analysis of Philippine geopolitics. He covered the country’s strategic position in the Indo-Pacific region and its evolving relationships with global powers.

Each presentation was followed by an interactive Q&A, allowing the JHU delegation to explore the issues further and gain a deeper understanding of the Philippines’ maritime and geopolitical landscape. The discussions also provided valuable insights for both the students and PTC representatives, who engaged with experts from the Philippine Coast Guard, OPAPRU, and academia on the complex challenges facing the region.

This learning session marked the conclusion of the students’ field study in the Philippines, where they met with key stakeholders across the government, the private sector, NGOs, and academic institutions to learn about the country’s political culture, socio-economic challenges, security concerns, and international relations.