The 302nd Infantry (Achiever) Brigade of the 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army, joined the Presidential Commission on Visiting Forces (PCVF) in an Information and Education Campaign at Silliman University in Dumaguete City on November 11, 2026, with lectures on law, criminal justice and diplomacy.
At a glance
- Event: Information and Education Campaign of the Presidential Commission on Visiting Forces (PCVF)
- Date and place: November 11, 2026, Silliman University, Dumaguete City
- Theme: “The Philippines in a changing Indo-Pacific: Foreign Relations, Visiting Forces, and the National Interest”
- Speakers: Atty. Raymund Palmera (PCVF), Atty. Ulyses Aguila (DOJ), retired Ambassador Sulpicio Confiado, Brig. Gen. Jason V. Jumawan (302nd Brigade)
- Source: 302nd Infantry (Achiever) Brigade release, November 13, 2026
The forum carried the theme “The Philippines in a changing Indo-Pacific: Foreign Relations, Visiting Forces, and the National Interest,” according to a release posted by the 302nd Infantry Brigade on November 13, 2026.
PCVF Executive Director Leads the Campaign
The campaign was led by PCVF Executive Director Undersecretary Antonio A. Habulan. Expert lecturers from public service discussed law, criminal justice and diplomacy.
Atty. Raymund Palmera, PCVF Legal Counsel, explained how Status of Forces Agreements (SOFAs) apply in the Philippine context. Atty. Ulyses Aguila, State Counsel IV of the Department of Justice, discussed criminal liability and how jurisdiction is determined under these agreements. Retired Ambassador Sulpicio Confiado examined how diplomacy and visiting forces arrangements can advance Philippine national interests.
Jumawan: National Security Is a Shared Responsibility
Brigadier General Jason V. Jumawan, Commander of the 302nd Infantry (Achiever) Brigade, addressed the audience and said national security is a shared responsibility involving the Armed Forces, diplomats, policymakers, public administrators, and citizens.
Citing the 1987 Constitution and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s stated principle of being “friends to all, enemies to none,” Jumawan explained how an independent foreign policy allows the Philippines to engage with other countries while standing firm on its sovereign rights, according to the brigade’s official release.
VFA Cited as Model for Defense Modernization and Deterrence
Jumawan pointed to the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) as a concrete example of how defense partnerships can help modernize the military, improve operational readiness, and deter aggression. He listed among the benefits for the military: access and exposure to world-class training and operating concepts, a broader strategic mindset, potential access to modern weapons systems, and an enhanced international reputation.
He emphasized, however, that the ultimate objective of the military is not only to fight wars but to help preserve the peace that allows Filipinos to live freely, securely, and with dignity.
“Diplomacy gives peace a voice, Defense gives sovereignty credibility, and National Interest gives direction to both.” — Brig. Gen. Jason V. Jumawan, 302nd Infantry (Achiever) Brigade Commander
Jumawan Calls on Students to Study Law of the Sea and Think Critically
Closing his remarks, Jumawan encouraged students to examine unverified claims critically, study the law of the sea, and judge national security decisions by how well they serve the Filipino people, the brigade release stated.
Students Engage Speakers in Open Exchange on Jurisdiction and VFA Mechanics
Following the formal presentations, students directed questions to the panel of speakers, seeking clarification on points raised during the forum. Undersecretary Habulan led the speakers in responding to the queries.
According to the brigade’s release, the exchange explored how Visiting Forces Agreements function in practice and how questions of jurisdiction arise under these arrangements.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of 302nd Infantry (Achiever) Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army
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