A total of 86 graduates from 7 foreign language courses marched on stage during the Foreign Language Program Closing Ceremony of the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) on 12 December 2013 at the Bulwagang Apolinario Mabini, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Building, Pasay City.

The ceremony was opened by FSI Executive Director Kadatuan P. Usop and was followed by the keynote message of Undersecretary for Administration Rafael E. Seguis, which was delivered by Executive Director Lilybeth R. Deapera of the Ocean Concerns Office.

In his message, Undersecretary Seguis stressed the importance of learning and speaking a foreign languagein interacting with different nationalities. He also stressed the need to improve the foreign language capabilities of the DFA and other government personnel for them to be able to perform and promote cultural understanding in their foreign service assignments and official missions.

The graduates performed skits, simulations, and song and dance numbers during the class presentations, which showcased the language skills gained by the participants. Each class was guided by the following foreign language instructors: Mr. Lomala L. Macadaub (Arabic), Ms. Emilita L. Cruz (Bahasa Indonesia), Mr. Francis Dürr (French), Mr. Rigoberto Lorenzo Buccat (German), Ms. Ling Ling Ponce (Mandarin), Ms. Josephine P. Sato (Nihongo), and Mr. Francisco Ibarra Garcia (Spanish).

The Language Programs Section of the Carlos P. Romulo School of Diplomacy (CPRSD) conducted the courses on the seven foreign languages. Each course consists of six levels and runs for two years.

The CPRSD also recognized and awarded merit medals to those who excelled and attained language proficiency from Levels I to VI of the program.

The awardees of the Merit Medals on Foreign Language Proficiency were the following: Mr. Alexander Joseph A. Estomo (DFA) for the Arabic class, Mr. Pedro B. Luteria III (DFA) for Bahasa Indonesia, Ms. Ruzielle C. Cunanan (DFA) for French, Mr. Eric F. Rubas (DFA) for the German class, Ms. Lucille Y. Chua (Bureau of Customs) for Mandarin, Ms. Theodora A. Noval (DFA) for Nihongo, and Ms. Lalaine T. Bacha (DFA) for Spanish.

German language course participants present a skit during the Closing Ceremony of the Foreign Language program.
German language course participants present a skit during the Closing Ceremony of the Foreign Language program.
Japanese language course participants showcase the culture of Japan during the Closing Ceremony of the Foreign Language program.
Japanese language course participants showcase the culture of Japan during the Closing Ceremony of the Foreign Language program.

 

Bahasa Indonesia language course participants highlight Indonesian culture through song and dance during the Closing Ceremony of the Foreign Language program.
Bahasa Indonesia language course participants highlight Indonesian culture through song and dance during the Closing Ceremony of the Foreign Language program.