The 6th Katipunan Conference took place on November 5, 2024, at Areté, Ateneo de Manila University, with the theme “Philippine Strategic Outlook 2024 Onwards: National Security and Economic Resilience.” Organized by the Ateneo School of Government (ASoG) through the Ateneo Policy Center (APC), the UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies (UP CIDS), and Miriam College, the event brought together leading scholars, policymakers, and practitioners in defense and economic development. With support from KAS Philippines, the Harvard Kennedy School Alumni Association of the Philippines, Stratbase ADR Institute, and WR Advisory Group, the conference provided a platform for discussing economic and security challenges in light of geopolitical shifts and global economic trends. Experts emphasized the need for strong national security policies, foreign investment strategies, and economic resilience measures to address emerging threats and opportunities.
The conference opened with keynote speeches from Secretary Frederick Go, who highlighted the Philippine government's efforts to enhance economic mobility, and Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr., who emphasized the link between economic resilience and national security. RADM Rommel Jude G. Ong and Dr. Josef T. Yap discussed the risks of economic infiltration in key industries like energy and the importance of foreign investment regulations. The Luzon Economic Corridor, a project from the US-Japan-PH trilateral summit, was presented as a key development initiative supporting the country’s economic growth. Panelists also debated the impact of geopolitical tensions on economic policies and the necessity of adapting to a rapidly evolving global landscape. The discussions reflected a consensus on strengthening infrastructure, governance, and policy frameworks to sustain long-term economic stability and national security.
Following the keynote sessions, the conference featured seven panel discussions covering topics such as foreign interference, cybersecurity, maritime defense, and economic resilience. Over 380 participants from government, academia, and the private sector attended, with the morning session attracting 6,500 online viewers. Scholars and policymakers examined new security paradigms, technology-driven defense strategies, and economic partnerships, highlighting the Philippines’ role in regional stability. The West Philippine Sea, a critical geopolitical issue, was also discussed in relation to diplomatic strategies and defense policies. Insights from the conference will be compiled into a monograph series, set for public release in 2025, to further inform policy development and strategic planning.
The 6th Katipunan Conference reaffirmed its commitment to evidence-based policy discussions, bridging national security and economic resilience. Participants engaged in collaborative discussions on integrating economic and defense strategies, ensuring that policymakers have access to the latest research and analysis. As the Philippines navigates a complex global environment, the conference underscored the importance of multidisciplinary approaches, strategic investments, and international cooperation. With its annual tradition of convening experts, the Katipunan Conference continues to serve as a vital forum for shaping the country’s future security and economic policies.
