The Foreign Service Institute (FSI) marked its 37th founding anniversary with the Closing Ceremony of the Foreign Service Officers Cadetship Course (FSOCC) Batch XX and the Awarding of Plaques of Appreciation to Resource Persons at the Bulwagang Apolinario Mabini, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Main Building, Pasay City, 10 December 2013.

Undersecretary for Special and Ocean Concerns Jose S. Brillantes delivered the keynote speech of Secretary Albert F. Del Rosario who commended the partnership of the DFA and the FSI that has resulted in the development of a dynamic foreign service.

Undersecretary Brillantes also welcomed the new officers into the ranks of the foreign service corps and provided counsel on enriching knowledge to better discharge the duties of a foreign service officer.

On behalf of FSI Director Ma. Angelina M. Sta. Catalina, FSI Executive Director Mr. Kadatuan P. Usop received the guest of honor and delivered the opening remarks.

The Closing Ceremony of the FSOCC Batch XX formalized the entry of the cadets into the DFA through the awarding of Certificates of Completion. Batch XX, which adopted the name Kalasag, is composed of 16 cadets who completed the six-month mandated training program for the newly appointed FSOs Class IV. The training consists of intensive classroom instructions and lectures on all aspects of consular and diplomatic duties and responsibilities.

The members of the FSOCC Batch XX – Kalasag are the following:

  1. Ms. Iris Vanessa B.  Caranzo
  2. Ms. Andrea Christina Q. Caymo
  3. Ms. Flaureen D. Dacanay
  4. Ms. Nicole Therese A. de Castro
  5. Ms. LV I. de Guzman
  6. Ms. Domini Fañgon-Kitade
  7. Mr. Miguel Carlo N. Hornilla
  8. Mr. Leandro Luiz S. Manantan
  9. Mr. Ajeet-Victor S. Panemanglor
  10. Mr. Von Ryan G. Pangwi
  11. Ms. Mary Grace L. Perpetua
  12. Ms. MajellaCristy U. Pua-Diezmos
  13. Mr. Enrik Fort E. Revillas
  14. Ms. Anna Patricia L. Saberon
  15. Mr. Alex O. Vallespin
  16. Ms. Lyza Maria S. Viejo

The FSI also recognized the resource persons who assisted the Institute in professionalizing the foreign service. Undersecretary Brillantes and Hon. Antonio D. Kalaw, Jr., President of the Development Academy of the Philippines and member of the FSI Board, awarded Plaques of Appreciation to the following:

  1. Dr. F. Landa-Jocano (posthumous)
  2. Dr. Clarita R. Carlos
  3. Prof. Emilita L. Cruz
  4. Hon. Felipe M. de Leon, Jr., Chairman of the NCCA
  5. Dr. Carolina G. Hernandez
  6. Dr. Florention H. Hornedo
  7. Dr. Frederico M. Macaranas
  8. Dr. Jonathan C. Malicsi
  9. Amb. Fortunato D. Oblena
  10. Ms. Marian Pastor-Roces
  11. Ms. Josephine P. Sato
  12. Dr. Carolyn I. Sobritchea
  13. Ms. Rose Marie B. Villamor
  14. Dr. Fernando N. Zilacita

Also in attendance were officers of the DFA and family members of the FSOCC Batch XX.

The program culminated with the audio-visual presentation FSI ROARS (Review of Accomplishments and Results), highlighting FSI’s activities and accomplishments in the past three years.

FSI was created on 9 December 1976 to serve as the training arm and institutional consultant on foreign policy and programs of the DFA. It is also a research institution and a resource and information center on diplomacy and foreign relations.

As of December 2013, FSI has conducted 2,738 training courses, seminars and workshops, which were attended by 54,870 participants from the DFA and other government personnel from the civil and military services, which include, among others, the Department of Labor and Employment, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Interior and Local Government, and Department of National Defense.

 

The Foreign Service Officers Cadetship Course Batch XX participants with Guest of Honor Undersecretary Jose S. Brillantes(front row, sixth from right)and FSI Executive Director Kadatuan P. Usop(front row, fifth from left).
The Foreign Service Officers Cadetship Course Batch XX participants with Guest of Honor Undersecretary Jose S. Brillantes (front row, sixth from right) and FSI Executive Director Kadatuan P. Usop (front row, fifth from left).
The resource persons were recognized by the FSI and awarded plaques of appreciation. With them in the photo are Undersecretary Jose S. Brillantes(fifth from left)and Hon. Antonio D. Kalaw, Jr. (fourth from left), President of the Development Academy of the Philippines and Member of the FSI Board.
The resource persons were recognized by the FSI and awarded plaques of appreciation. With them in the photo are Undersecretary Jose S. Brillantes (fifth from left)and Hon. Antonio D. Kalaw, Jr. (fourth from left), President of the Development Academy of the Philippines and Member of the FSI Board.

 

The officers and staff of the Foreign Service Institute join Undersecretary Jose S. Brillantes (seated fourth from right), DAP President Antonio D. Kalaw, Jr. (seated fourth from left), and FSI Executive Director Kadatuan P. Usop(seated third from right).
The officers and staff of the Foreign Service Institute join Undersecretary Jose S. Brillantes (seated fourth from right), DAP President Antonio D. Kalaw, Jr. (seated fourth from left), and FSI Executive Director Kadatuan P. Usop (seated third from right).