The Foreign Service Institute (FSI), through the Carlos P. Romulo School of Diplomacy’s (CPRSD) Language Programs Section, successfully inaugurated its Language Learning Facility last 02 June 2022 as part of its mandate of supporting its Philippine foreign service corps deployed to non-English speaking countries.

The ceremonial ribbon cutting of the facility was graced by the Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr., Senator Loren B. Legarda, and FSI’s Director-General Jose Maria A. Cariño.

Ceremonial ribbon cutting of FSI’s Language Learning Facility with DFA Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. and Senator Loren B. Legarda.

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

CPRSD Head Dr. Marichu C. Liwanag begins the program with a background of the facility, which features 12 soundproof booths all equipped with a laptop, a second screen, and a pair of noise-canceling headphones for learners to use in accessing the newly developed language coursewares. The facility, with striking tones of blue and colorful furniture, is also decorated with a photograph collection by Ambassador Meynardo LB. Montealegre.

(L-R): Senator Legarda, DFA Secretary Loscin Jr., and FSI Director-General Jose Maria Cariño with guests at the newly inaugurated Language Learning Facility.

The guests were in for a treat as they were invited to check the booths and watch the demonstration of the Spanish courseware carried out by Training Specialist, Mr. Godfrey Anthony Bañares. He explains that the Spanish courseware – one of the currently offered languages of the facility – has eight (8) modules ought to be completed by learners on their own. The modules contain information slides, videos, practice activities, and quizzes which lay the foundations of a beginner-level language learning.

DFA Secretary Locsin, Jr. and Senator Legarda with Training Specialist Mr. Godfrey Anthony Bañares during the demonstration of the Spanish Courseware.

As part of the 30-hour self-study program, the facility currently offers courses on Arabic, Mandarin, Nihongo, and Spanish languages, and is set to expand to include other foreign languages.

Senator Legarda expressed enthusiasm on the possible expansion of the project seconded by the DFA Secretary. The good senator remarked that she would like to try the facility herself.

To close the inauguration, Secretary Locsin honored its guests by expressing his sincere gratitude to the Institute for its continuous efforts in equipping its corps, and to all guests who supported and celebrated with the Institute.

DFA Secretary Locsin, Jr. gives his inspirational message to guests to close the first segment of the two-part program of events.

The inauguration is the first segment of the two-part program of events, followed by the Book Launching of three (3) publications and an Art Exhibit featuring the Artists of Bulacan presented by FSI’s Office of the Director-General (ODG).