Four Foreign Affairs Research Specialists from the Center for International Relations and Strategic Studies (CIRSS) of the Foreign Service Institute successfully completed their post graduate studies in June 2015:

• Ms. Virgemarie A. Salazar, Head of the International Organizations Section, graduated with a Master’s in Public Policy and Management from the Institute of Policy Studies, Universiti Brunei Darussalam. She was an exchange student at the McCourt School of Public Policy, Georgetown University, in Washington DC for the Spring 2015 semester.

• Ms. Joycee A.Teodoro completed her Master’s degree in Philippine Studies from the Asian Center, University of the Philippines Diliman. She is with the ASEAN Studies Section.

• Mr. Louie Dane C. Merced and Ms. Andrea Kristine G. Molina both obtained their Master’s degrees in International Studies from the Department of Political Science of the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, University of the Philippines Diliman.  Mr. Merced is with the Traditional Security Studies Section, while Ms. Molina is with the Area Studies Section.

The Institute encourages its staff to pursue further studies in their fields of specialization to equip them with the necessary tools and expertise in dealing with the changing dynamics of international relations. The Institute continuously supports their endeavors toward their individual growth and professional development.