Katipunan Conference to Tackle Security, Economic Resilience

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

The 6th Katipunan Conference, scheduled for November 5, 2024, at The Loft, Arete in Ateneo de Manila University, will bring together top scholars, policymakers, and defense experts to examine the intersection of national security and economic resilience in the Philippines.

This year’s theme, “Philippine Strategic Outlook 2024 Onwards: National Security and Economic Resilience,” highlights the rising geopolitical and economic challenges, as tensions escalate between global powers, raising concerns of a new Cold War.

Organized by the Strategic Studies Program of the University of the Philippines Center for Integrative and Development Studies (UP CIDS), Ateneo School of Government, and Miriam College, the conference aims to provide evidence-based discussions on how the country can balance national defense with economic sustainability.

Keynote speakers include Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. and Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go.

The morning plenary will feature discussions on internal security, intelligence, and the country’s strategy in the West Philippine Sea.

With the Philippines sitting near strategic sea lanes and resource-rich areas like the Coral Triangle, the intersection of our national security and economic resilience is critical

This conference aims to bring fresh insights to help shape a more cohesive national strategy.

The afternoon panels will delve into various issues, such as cybersecurity, foreign interference, and the role of strategic technologies in securing the Philippines’ maritime territories. Discussions will also focus on how the ongoing U.S.-China rivalry impacts Philippine trade and foreign policy.

As the Philippines faces evolving geopolitical risks, the conference will provide a platform to explore strategies that safeguard territorial integrity and promote economic growth.