The Foreign Service Institute (FSI) held the closing ceremony of the Foreign Service Officers’ Cadetship Course (FSOCC) Batch XXIII on 24 March 2017 at the FSI Carlos P. Romulo Library, Ground Floor, DFA Main Building. Guest of honor Undersecretary for Administration Linglingay F. Lancanlale congratulated the seventeen (17) FSOCC participants and impressed upon them the importance of the qualitative values that would define their work as full-pledged foreign service officers of the Department of Foreign Affairs – Love and Humility. The closing ceremony was also attended by Undersecretary Jesus I. Yabes, Undersecretary Manuel Antonio J. Teehankee, and several assistant secretaries and other officials.
The FSO Cadetship Course is an intensive six-month training program that is designed to help the participants develop their capabilities in promoting the Philippines’ foreign policy pillars, in advancing economic security, assistance-to-nationals, cultural diplomacy and national security interests. Likewise, it orients them on basic consular and diplomatic duties and responsibilities. The course is a mix of classroom lectures, seminars, web conferences, workshops, study tours and exposure trips. Participants are also required to present and defend their policy papers on various foreign policy issues experienced by the Department. Mr. Bojer B. Capati topped the foreign policy paper presentation on his paper titled “Defining the Philippine Brand”.
One of the highlights of FSOCC Batch XXIII was the continuation of the Basic Apprenticeship Program on Diplomatic and Consular Practice in the Foreign Service, in partnership with the DFA-Human Resource Management Office. The participants were divided into four groups and assigned to Abu Dhabi PE, Dubai PCG, Hong Kong PCG, and Singapore PE. The Apprenticeship Program was a comprehensive learning experience and an invaluable glimpse at what junior officers are to expect when they will be assigned abroad.
Representing FSOCC Batch XXIII is Mr. Adrian G. Miras who delivered his response that highlighted his appreciation of the learnings and insights initiated through their varied experiences and interactions during the cadetship course. Furthermore, he elucidated on their batch name “Silang” which was inspired by Diego and Gabriela Silang who are an epitome of Filipino patriotism and public service; bold and brave in serving the country.
The closing ceremony was capped by Undersecretary Lacanlale’s official announcement of the designated office of assignment of FSOCC Batch XXIII graduates in the DFA Home Office.
