PH Supports Capacity-Building of Timor-Leste Diplomats

The Philippines, through the Foreign Service Institute, and in cooperation with the Office of Asian and Pacific Affairs and the Philippine Embassy in Dili, recently made another modest contribution in the training and development of diplomats in the Asia-Pacific region.

Twelve (12) diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation and two (2) officials from the Office of the President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste participated in a five-day Training on Protocol conducted by FSI.

The training aims to equip them with knowledge and skills to carry out their duties along internationally accepted norms and practices.

To create a more engaging and stimulating learning experience, interactive methods such as role plays, workshops and simulations were utilized.

As part of their training, they attended official and diplomatic events such as Flag Raising Ceremony, Cocktail and Dinner Receptions and Book Launching at the Department of Foreign Affairs. They also took part in an outdoor activity (i.e., study visit and cultural/historical tour).

The training was held in Manila on 20-24 October 2014.

Participants pose with Ambassador Marciano A. Paynor, Jr. (center) former Chief of Presidential Protocol and current Director-General of APEC Meeting 2015 Philippine Hosting. Amb. Paynor is a resource person in this training event. — Participants pose with Ambassador Marciano A. Paynor, Jr. (center) former Chief of Presidential Protocol and current Director-General of APEC Meeting 2015 Philippine Hosting.
Amb. Paynor is a resource person in this training event.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TRAINING

Lecture by DFA Chief of Protocol, Assistant Secretary Evelyn D. Austria-Garcia.

Presentation by Director Rodillo R. Catalan of Ceremonials Division, DFA Office of Protocol.

Workshop on Conference Hosting conducted by Ambassador Fortunato D. Oblena.

Security Briefing by Senior Superintendent Willy P. Atun of the Philippine National Police.

Table Setting Demonstration by resource person, Ms. Ma. Shiela C. Velarde.

Table Setting Exercise and Formal Dinner Simulation with DFA Deputy Chief of Protocol, Mr. Raymund G. Toledo (front, top left photo) at Champagne Room,The Manila Hotel — Table Setting Exercise and Formal Dinner Simulation with DFA Deputy Chief of Protocol,
Mr. Raymund G. Toledo (front, top left photo) at Champagne Room,The Manila Hotel.

Cocktail Party with the participants in the FSO Cadetship Course.

Dinner with Timor-Leste Ambassador H.E. Juvencio De Jesus Martins (second from left) at a function hosted by FSI in honor of the participants.

Dinner hosted by Hon. Minda Calaguian-Cruz, DFA Assistant Secretary for Asian and Pacific Affairs (standing), in honor of the participants.

Book Launching with the Secretary of Foreign Affairs Hon. Albert F. Del Rosario as Keynote Speaker. The event was attended by the diplomatic corps and DFA officials.

STUDY VISIT

Briefing and Tour at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

CULTURAL/HISTORICAL TOUR