GUEST COLUMNIST
In my last column, we talked about the huge responsibilities and challenges public servants face. Today, I want to share another example of how the public sector tests its dedicated workers. I'm not trying to discourage anyone from this field but to highlight its complexities and demands. People like DBM Secretary Amenah “Mina” F. Pangandaman inspire me deeply, and I hope they inspire others too.
Today's spotlight is on Lieutenant General Ferdinand Mendez Cartujano (Ret), a real-life maverick like Tom Cruise in Top Gun. After retiring, he continued his mission by moving into education to help shape future generations.
Lt. Gen. Cartujano’s life is like a movie plot. His journey is full of thrills and challenges. He secretly applied to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) to avoid disappointing his father, a former soldier. Although he had been studying Marine Science at the University of the Philippines Diliman on a scholarship, he gave it up to pursue his true passion for a military career.
Graduating with distinction from the PMA “Maringal” Class of 1988, he joined the Philippine Air Force and earned his Pilot Wings in 1990. He logged over 5,000 flying hours, the most among his batchmates. Piloting the Bell UH-1 Iroquois “Huey,” he spent 28 of his 40 years in the Air Force on active flight duty. Even as a brigadier general, he traveled to Clark on weekends to keep flying.
His valor and skill were tested as an assault pilot on critical missions against various insurgent groups in the Philippines. In 1993, he received the Wounded Personnel Medal after surviving an aerial ambush. As a first lieutenant, he was flying back to Tacloban, Leyte, from Baybay after a resupply mission when they were ambushed. A ricocheted bullet struck the back of his neck.
This wasn’t the first time the brave aviator faced a near-death experience. During a search and rescue operation at Mount Kanlaon, he experienced vertigo, causing the helicopter to tilt dangerously. Despite this, he skillfully regained control and landed safely. Another time, Lt. Gen. Cartujano narrowly escaped abduction by the New People's Army while on a bus to Bicol. When the bus was stopped at a checkpoint, he cleverly disguised himself, preventing the rebels from recognizing him as an officer.
Lt. Gen. Cartujano is especially proud of his time as Superintendent of PMA during the Covid-19 pandemic. He ensured vaccinations and health measures were in place, achieved a record low attrition rate, and eliminated maltreatment and hazing.
In 2022, Lt. Gen. Cartujano assumed the prestigious role of president of the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP). He brings valuable expertise and connections to the training agency under the Department of National Defense (DND). “Defense Secretary Faustino told me I was his first choice to lead the NDCP because of my contributions in the Air Force and PMA," says Lt. Gen. Cartujano. "I couldn't say no to him.”
Lt. Gen. Cartujano took on the job of NDCP president to continue serving the country through defense education and training. His extensive military career, including roles as commander of the Air Education, Training, and Doctrine Command (AETDC), PAF, and key positions at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), prepared him well. With established systems and knowledgeable staff, he easily provided guidance. NDCP's consistent ISO 9001:2015 certification since 2008 highlights its commitment to quality education and research.
Under Lt. Gen. Cartujano's leadership, NDCP has made significant advancements. The College expanded its academic programs to include degree and non-degree offerings like the Master in National Security Administration (MNSA), National Security Studies Program (NSSP), and English Language Course (ELC). Research efforts have also been strengthened with projects like the President’s Paper on the Future of Philippine Warfare Volume II and the National Security Review.
NDCP’s Extension Services Program introduced key courses like the Cyber Strategy and Policy Program (CSPP) and engaged in international academic exercises and forums. The college launched its first documented Strategic Plan for 2023-2027, outlining its future direction. A Career Development Policy and Plan was approved in November 2023 to guide employee training and education. NDCP is also finalizing a reorganization plan to enhance its effectiveness as a defense and security institution. These initiatives reflect Lt. Gen. Cartujano’s commitment to strengthening NDCP’s role in national defense and security education.
Lt. Gen. Cartujano cares deeply for NDCP and its learners. He organized a trip to Pag-asa Island for academic enhancement, providing students firsthand knowledge and opportunities to assist the local community. He also introduced the first Cyber Strategy and Policy Program (CSPP) and major publications on Gender and Development (GAD), demonstrating his commitment to broadening educational opportunities.
Looking ahead, Lt. Gen. Cartujano envisions NDCP continuing its vital role in national defense and security education. He understands the rapidly changing regional security environment and the need for ongoing study. By providing a platform for education, research, and dialogue on critical security issues, NDCP remains key in the defense community. His leadership ensures students are well-prepared for future challenges.
There is hope!