The Foreign Service Institute (FSI) held a two-part program on 02 June 2022, which celebrated the Carlos P. Romulo School of Diplomacy’s (CPRSD) Inauguration of the Language Learning Facility through its Language Programs Section, and the Office of the Director-General’s (ODG) Book Launching of three (3) publications, and Art Exhibit featuring the Artists of Bulacan.

DFA Secretary Locsin, Jr., Senator Legarda, and FSI Director-General Cariño during the ceremonial ribbon cutting of the Book Launch and Exhibit.

His Excellency Hisham S.A. Al Qahtani of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mr. Peiyung Hsu of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, Director-General Junko Sato of the Japan Information and Culture Center, Mr. Javier Galván of Instituto Cervantes, Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) were also in attendance.

DFA Secretary Locsin, Jr. and Senator Legarda with dignitaries and guests at the Language Learning Facility.
DFA Secretary Locsin, Jr. hands over the FSI publications to Mr. Javier Galván of Instituto Cervantes during the Book Launch together with H.E Al-Qahtani of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Director-General Sato of the Japan Information and Culture Center at the Bulwagang Apolinario Mabini.

The Book Launch and Art Exhibit were honored by the presence of the authors and Bulacan artists themselves, together with the benefactors from the Philippine Ambassadors’ Ladies Association (PALA) who supported the success of the publications.

The eventful day begins with the first ceremonial ribbon cutting of the language learning facility where CPRSD Head Dr. Marichu C. Liwanag talked about the background of the facility which currently offers four (4) language coursewares in Arabic, Mandarin, Nihongo, and Spanish. Dr. Liwanag also expressed her sincerest gratitude on behalf of the Institute to Senator Richard J. Gordon and Senator Legarda for the Congress Introduced Changes / Amendments (CICA) 2022 which made the facility possible.

Senator Legarda, DFA Secretary Loscin Jr., Director-General Cariño, and Dr. Marichu C. Liwanag with dignitaries, guests, and staff at the language learning facility.

DFA Secretary Locsin, Jr. and Senator Legarda congratulated the Institute and expressed their excitement for the future expansion of the project. This was followed by an inspirational message from the Secretary which concluded the first segment of the two-part program.

In addition to this, a jovial atmosphere surrounded FSI as guests were ushered to the DFA Building’s main lobby for the second ceremonial ribbon cutting for the Exhibit and Book Launch of Dakilang Bulakenyo, The Art and Artists of Bulacan edited by Ms. Rhodora M. Joaquin; Pancit 101 edited by Mme. Priscila R. Confiado, and the FSI Insights Special Edition, which is a compilation of research papers produced by the Foreign Service Officer (FSO) Cadets Batch XXVIII.

Dignitaries, guests, authors, and Bulacan artists during the Book Launch and Art Exhibit at the Bulwagang Apolinario Mabini.

The art gallery showcasing masterful Bulacan art was also open for viewing.

DFA Secretary Locsin, Jr. and H.E Hisham S.A. Al Qahtani of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the gallery viewing of Bulacan art.

Echoing one of the newly launched publications, different kinds of pancit paired with sago’t gulaman were also served as performer Ms. Mona Sheilette serenaded the guests during the luncheon.

DFA Secretary Locsin, Jr. trying varieties of pancit coming from different regions of Luzon.

Director-General Cariño formally concluded the program of events as he gave his closing remarks expressing his sincerest gratitude to all authors, artists, and guests who celebrated with the Institute.

FSI Director-General Cariño during the closing remarks of the two-part program of events.