DFA Chief of Protocol Conducts Training on the Principle of Representation and Protocol for Officials for Overseas Postings

PASAY CITY, 6 MAY 2025 – Assistant Secretary and Chief of Protocol Ariel Rodelas Peñaranda conducted a training workshop on the Principle of Representation and Protocol as part of the 89th Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) organized by the Foreign Service Institute (FSI).

In his presentation, Assistant Secretary Peñaranda emphasized the critical role of representation in the work of diplomats and government officials assigned abroad. He highlighted key national laws and international conventions—including the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations—and underscored the importance of upholding the dignity and sovereignty of the Philippines through proper protocol. His lecture also covered the origins and sources of protocol, Philippine flag and national symbol protocol, order of precedence, and essential social graces and diplomatic etiquette.

The session was attended by 19 officials and personnel from the Department of Foreign Affairs and partner agencies, including the Department of National Defense, Department of Agriculture, Department of Migrant Workers, Department of Tourism, Philippine Coast Guard, and National Intelligence Coordinating Agency.

Designed for officials preparing to assume overseas assignments, the workshop concluded with a practical simulation on diplomatic table setting and agreement signing, providing participants with hands-on experience in applying protocol principles in a formal setting. END

Assistant Secretary and Chief of Protocol Ariel Rodelas Peñaranda (center) and the participants pose for a photo after the training workshop.

 In his presentation, Assistant Secretary Ariel Rodelas Peñaranda highlights the role of protocol, social graces and etiquette, and the principle of representation. 

Selected participants of the pre-departure orientation seminar (PDOS) join a simulation on signing bilateral agreements.