The Foreign Service Institute (FSI) successfully completed its English Language Program (ELP) on 16 September 2021, with 15 personnel from the Department of Foreign Affairs’ (DFA’s) Home Office and Consular Offices participating in the program. 

The ELP had three (3) parts: (1) English Language Review Course (ELRC), (2) Course on Writing Memoranda and Letters (CWML), and (3) Course on Speech Writing and Delivery (CSWD).

ELRC aimed to increase the level of linguistic competence in English as part of the participants’ work skills and enhance their written skills as applied to official communications. It was conducted from 20 to 23 April.

CWML, the second part of the program, was implemented from 14 to 17 June. As a course building on the knowledge and skills gained from the previously held ELRC, CWML focused on reinforcing written communication skills through strategies in achieving formality in business and diplomatic correspondence.

Professor Gina S. Salazar of the University of the Philippines Manila conducted the first two (2) Courses using the Outcomes-based Approach. 

The last part of the program was the CSWD. It was implemented from 13 to 16 September with an aim to build the participants’ confidence in oral communication through writing and delivering speeches.

The CSWD resource person was Professor Melanie M. Moraga-Leaño of the University of the Philippines Diliman who discussed the nature and importance of public communication. She also expressed that public speaking skill is a powerful tool for the participants not only in their careers but also in their personal endeavors.

It was the second year that ELP was conducted through 100% synchronous and asynchronous modes of teaching using Google Classroom and Zoom. The Course’s online format has allowed DFA personnel based in the Consular Offices, such as CO Baguio, CO Butuan, CO Cebu, CO NCR West (Manila), CO NCR North (Novaliches), and CO NCR South (Alabang) to take part in FSI’s training program.