QUEZON CITY—The National Capital Region Command (NCRCOM) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines solidified its alliance with the Department of Education–National Capital Region (DepEd-NCR) during a high-level courtesy call on June 22, in Barangay Bago Bantay. 

Led by NCRCOM Commander Major General Gregorio B. Hernandez Jr., the military delegation met with DepEd-NCR Officer-in-Charge Assistant Regional Director Rita E. Riddle to align strategies for student welfare. 

Key military leaders, including Lt. Col. Deodelyn A. Blas of the 11th Civil-Military Operations Battalion (11CMOBn) and the commander of the 12th CMOBn, actively participated in the joint briefing.

The strategic meeting focused on shielding Filipino students from modern societal threats, specifically targeting misinformation, online exploitation, and radicalization. 

Both agencies acknowledged that these emerging dangers directly undermine youth development and require immediate, coordinated intervention. 

By combining DepEd's educational reach with NCRCOM’s civil-military expertise, the partnership aims to build a robust defense system for students across the metro.

Moving forward, the two organizations are pioneering a whole-of-nation approach to foster youth resilience through localized awareness campaigns and community engagement. 

This collaborative initiative will roll out targeted programs across National Capital Region schools, equipping young Filipinos with the critical thinking skills and awareness needed to navigate safety threats. 

Through this strengthened bond, NCRCOM and DepEd-NCR are ensuring that metro schools remain safe havens for learning and personal growth.

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