Sen. Grace Poe’s son Brian now an MNSA-SE degree holder

Brian Poe-Llamanzares receives silver medal for his thesis on water security.

MANILA, Philippines – After graduating with a master’s degree in climate and society at Columbia University and completing his doctorate in public administrations at Perpetual Help University, Brian Poe-Llamanzares now graduates from the Master’s in National Security Administration Senior Executive (MNSA-SE) program at the National Defense College of the Philippines earning his second master’s degree.

Senator Grace Poe attended the graduation ceremonies along with her husband Neil Llamanzares. The proud senator posted on social media saying, “Brian Poe Llamanzares, Masters in National Security Administration for Senior Executives… Another feather in your cap and we couldn’t be more proud. Congratulations, Brian!”

Brian Poe-Llamanzares delivers his speech during the National Defense College graduation dinner.

READ: Brian Poe, 2 other execs discuss economic security threats during forum

Poe-Llamanzares was awarded the best thesis silver medal for his paper addressing the water security concerns of the country. As Chief of Staff of Senator Grace Poe, he explains that he conducted his research in aid of legislation. His hope was that his studies on water security could help the committee on public services with its work on the Department of Water Management bill that malacañang has deemed a priority. 

Left to Right: Senator Grace Poe, Brian Poe- Llamanzares, and Neil Llamanzares.

As Vice President of his senior executive class, Class “Masinag”, he was asked to deliver a graduation speech at the MNSA-SE graduation dinner. During his speech he mentioned the importance of national security studies in today’s geopolitical environment.

“Our specialization in national security could not have come at a more critical time. We are living in an era where the complexities and challenges of national security have become more pronounced than ever. The ongoing disputes in the West Philippine Sea, the evolving dynamics of our ties with both China and the United States, and the multifaceted threats to our sovereignty and economic stability underscore the importance of our chosen field of study,” Poe-Llamanzares said.

He hopes that more people take up similar studies to help safeguard our country from both external and internal threats. In his speech Poe-Llamanzares also highlighted the importance of the program stating how it fosters stronger ties between the public sector and the armed forces,

“Beyond the guns and the machines of war, there are books and a willingness to preserve peace through communication and collaboration. If the goal of the Master’s in National Defense Administration is to bring together members of the armed forces and civil society and to give them a greater appreciation for one another then to that I say mission accomplished.”

He ended his speech with a call to action stating that all those who have graduated from this program have a responsibility to uphold. As scholars of the country, he reminded the class that they must, “take what we have learned here and apply it with passion and purpose. Let us be the light that guides our nation through uncertain times. Let us work together to build a more secure, prosperous, and resilient Philippines.”

This is the second senior executive batch which included 16 members from the national government, 2 members from the local government, 1 member from the academe, 1 member from the legislative, 1 member from the judiciary, 2 members from the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, and 2 from the private sector.

The senior executive students underwent basic military training, and studied defense policy ranging from geopolitical, to economic, and even military strategy.

Others who have graduated from the prestigious program include former President Fidel Ramos, former Vice President Jejomar Binay, Senator Loren Legarda, and Senate Majority Floor Leader Francis Tolentino.