DFA SPOKESPERSON SHARES DFAS MISSION, PROGRAMS WITH DAVAO UNIVERSITY STUDENTS 22 August 2014 - The Spokesperson of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Assistant Secretary Charles C. Jose, gave a talk on Philippine foreign policy before International Studies and Political Science students today, August 22, at Finster Auditorium, Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU), Davao City. The DFA Spokespersons convocation capped ADDUs celebration of Philippine Foreign Relations Week, which is on its fourth year. This years celebration bears the theme, Current Challenges of Philippine Foreign Policy. It was organized by second-year International Studies students of ADDU, under the guidance of International Studies Department Chairperson Martin O. Escobido, Jr., Political Science Department Head Dr. Christine Diaz and International Studies Department Faculty members Akeem Jade G. Fabila and Philip Biongan. ADDU President Rev. Fr. Joel E. Tabora, S.J. delivered the welcome address. Philippine foreign policy is independent and principled. At its core are cherished values, particularly those of democracy, freedom, the peaceful settlement of disputes and the rule of law, Assistant Secretary Jose said. These values guide the DFA, including its 1,300 Foreign Service personnel in 84 embassies and consulates worldwide, in pursuing the three pillars of our foreign policy, he added. On the protection of overseas Filipinos, the DFA Spokesperson underscored the need for Foreign Service Officers to be aware of cultural and legal nuances in host countries in order to effectively assist distressed Filipinos abroad. He also shared the economic diplomacy programs of the DFA in recent years, emphasizing the significant role of the DFA in creating jobs and alleviating poverty at home. He said that placing the development priorities of the Philippines in the global economic agenda is among the thrusts of the DFA as the Philippines prepares for the realization of the ASEAN Economic Community and APEC hosting next year. On the preservation and enhancement of national security, Assistant Secretary Jose highlighted the challenges arising from the disputes in the West Philippine Sea/South China Sea and the Philippine Governments initiatives to address these challenges. The DFA Spokesperson ended his lecture by inviting the students to join the Philippine Foreign Service and take part in the promotion of the countrys foreign policy. A Q&A session followed the lecture. Students and faculty members sought the DFA Spokespersons views on ASEAN integration, the Israel-Gaza conflict and APEC hosting preparations, and tips on reviewing for the Foreign Service Officer Examinations. Also in attendance were Political Science majors from the University of Mindanao and Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku. Staff writers from Edge Davao and Mindanao Times covered the event. The DFA Spokespersons visit was made possible with the assistance and support of the DFA Regional Consular Office in Davao City, led by Officer-in-Charge Flora Belinda Bacosa. END
Posted on: Sat, 23 Aug 2014 00:11:58 +0000
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