In matters of national security, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) turns to the Department of National Defense (DND), which is responsible for guarding the country against external and internal threats.
Established in 1939 by virtue of Executive Order No. 230, the DND is mandated to protect the State. This includes safeguarding the State’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as carrying out disaster preparation and management during natural and man-made disasters.
Vision and Mission
Based on its official website, the DND aims to fulfill Vision 2028, stating that it aspires to be “a defense organization that guarantees Philippine security, territorial integrity, and sovereignty; a reliable partner in national development; and a strategic player in the Asia-Pacific Region.”
Notably, the mission of the DND is “to defend against external and internal threats to territorial integrity and sovereignty, and promote the welfare of the people, in order to create a secure and stable environment conducive to national development.”
Organizational Structure
The DND is headed by the Secretary of National Defense, along with five undersecretaries and assistance secretaries, as follows:
- Undersecretary for National Defense/Senior Undersecretary;
- Undersecretary for Acquisition and Resource Management;
- Undersecretary for Capability Assessment and Development;
- Undersecretary for Civil, Veterans, and Reserve Affairs;
- Undersecretary for Strategic Assessment and Planning;
- Assistant Secretary for Financial Management;
- Assistant Secretary for Human Resource;
- Assistant Secretary for Logistics, Acquisitions, and Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP);
- Assistant Secretary for Plans and Programs;
- Assistant Secretary for Real Estate and Installations; and
- Assistant Secretary for Strategic Assessment and International Affairs
Key Functions
As for its key functions, the DND is responsible for:
Ensuring National Peace and Security
The Department plays a vital role in the country’s National Defense and Security Program, which helps ensure the protection of the State. It conducts regular assessments of external and internal threats to national security; directing, planning, and supervising defense operations to address such threats. Furthermore, it oversees field operations to help maintain peace, security, law and order throughout the Philippines.
Overseeing Component Agencies
The DND exercises executive supervision over several agencies, each of which plays an important role in protecting the nation:
- Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). This is the military arm responsible for national defense operations.
- Government Arsenal (GA). This is responsible for the production of military supplies and equipment.
- Office of Civil Defense (OCD). This agency focuses on disaster preparedness and response, thus ensuring the safety of civilians during emergencies.
- National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP). This institution is responsible for training and educating people with regard to national defense and security matters.
- Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO). This office provides support and various services to Filipino veterans, ensuring their welfare and benefits.
- Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC). This is a hospital that provides medical care, treatment, and hospitalization to Filipino veterans and their dependents, and AFP retirees.
Crisis and Disaster Management
The Department plays an essential role in managing and responding to natural and man-made disasters, particularly through the OCD.
International Defense Cooperation
To enhance security capabilities, the DND participates in international defense cooperation activities and partnerships.
Contact Information: DND Head Office
For inquiries and concerns, the DND Head Office may be reached through the following contact details:
Address: Department of National Defense, Camp General Emilio F. Aguinaldo, Quezon City, Metro Manila
Telephone: (+632) 8982 – 5600 loc 5681
Website: https://www.dnd.gov.ph/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dndphl
Google Map:
The DND plays a primary role in protecting the country and its people; helping to maintain peace, order, and security. Meanwhile, with regard to protecting the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), the DFA coordinates with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). Visit this link for more information about this agency.