Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 44)
The President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested by the Constitution and the National Defense Act, has the power to establish the National Defense College of the Philippines.
The mission of the National Defense College is to prepare potential defense leaders to assume responsibilities in high command, staff, and policy-formulating functions within the National Government and the national and international security structure.
The specific objectives include: 1) Conduct studies on national objectives and resources; 2) Study military-political, logistical, economic, and other aspects related to national production; 3) Investigate the war-potential of major nations; 4) Enhance preparation for interdepartmental coordination and integrated planning for national defense; 5) Provide students with perspectives necessary for national policy formulation and sound decision-making.
The National Defense College is organized and administered by the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines under the general supervision and control of the Secretary of National Defense.
The necessary funds shall come from the Armed Forces of the Philippines funds.
Because the Philippines lacked an educational institution specifically dedicated to training military and civilian leaders for top positions related to national defense, especially for use in times of national emergency.
It will study manpower, material, and money resources, military-political, logistical, administrative, sociological, scientific, technological, and economic aspects of national production, and the war-potential of major nations.
It aims to prepare both civilians and military students for leadership roles involving high command, staff functions, policy formulation, and interdepartmental coordination in times of national emergency.
The order took effect immediately on August 12, 1963, the date it was signed.