The Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) for Spouses of Foreign Service Personnel was conducted on 04 February 2019 at the Carlos P. Romulo School of Diplomacy of the Foreign Service Institute to seven (7) participants, whose spouses (personnel of the Department of Foreign Affairs and attached agencies) are due for foreign assignments in Philippine diplomatic and consular posts abroad.

The one-day training seminar aims to prepare the spouses of Foreign Service personnel on the important points in pre-departure preparation, and arrangement, upon arrival at post. It also discussed personal and family security, the role of spouses, some essential tips in protocol and social graces, and an overview of the immunities and privileges accorded to the family by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

Ambassador Eva G. Betita expounded on the different roles of spouses in the Foreign Service and the basic diplomatic protocol and some reminders on social graces. Mr. Maurice A. Tiempo, Director of the Benefits and Welfare Division of the Human Resource Management Office, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), gave a lecture on the important pre-departure procedures and arrangement upon arrival at Post. And lastly, Mr. Raymund G. Toledo, Officer-in-Charge of the Intelligence and Security Unit, DFA, briefed the participants about personal and family security.