The Foreign Service Institute (FSI) marked its 43rd founding anniversary with the theme “FSI @ 43: Celebrating Empowerment and Leadership” last 05 December 2019 at The Heritage Hotel, Pasay City.
The celebration included various activities anchored on the theme:
(a) Seminar-Workshop on Gender and Leadership,which featured feminist leaders: Dr. Aurora Javate-De Dios, Senior Project Director of the Women and Gender Institute at Miriam College, renowned for her work on women’s human rights and gender equality; and retired Ambassador Eva Galinato-Betita, who—in her stint as Philippine Ambassador to Brazil—received the Distinguished Women Award (Trofeu Mulher) from the Academia Internacional de Cultura.
These resource persons shared their insights and experiences on how to navigate the complex world of training, policy research, and advocacy amid gendered experiences, stereotypes, and ideals.
The seminar sought to rally FSI personnel in pursuing collective actions to address the challenges in their leadership journeys, towards the attainment of the Institute’s mission and goals.
(b) FSI Service Excellence Awards, recognized the invaluable service of the Institute’s men and women who have contributed to its success during the past decades through their commitment, dedication, and loyalty.
(c) Thanksgiving Lunch, was organized for guests who have been instrumental to the continuing empowerment of the Institute and its personnel, such as former FSI colleagues, Department of Foreign Affairs officials, and friends of the FSI.
(d) FSI Year-End Get-Together, served asa lively gathering for FSI personnel to celebrate the spirit of giving and sharing, and build camaraderie through fun activities.
It was a day filled with learnings, realizations, and dynamic interactions on how the Institute shall move forward being equipped with high morale, empowerment, and most especially, an improved sense of leadership and team spirit.
