DFA Strengthens Diplomatic Capacity Through Workshop on Protocol and Social Graces, Led by Undersecretary De La Vega

Undersecretary Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega delivers her remarks during the formal dinner simulation

MANILA 02 July 2025 — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), through its Office of Protocol, successfully conducted a one-day Retooling Workshop on Protocol, Social Etiquette, and Calligraphy on 21 June 2025 at Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Pasay City. The initiative forms part of the Department’s broader efforts to strengthen institutional capacity and readiness in light of the Philippines’ expanding international engagements.

Led by Undersecretary for Administration Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega, the workshop brought together nearly 70 DFA personnel from various offices to reinforce essential skills in diplomatic protocol, ceremonial conduct, and social etiquette—core competencies that support the country’s conduct of foreign affairs with professionalism and credibility.

Organized and facilitated by the DFA Office of Protocol under the supervision of Assistant Secretary and Chief of Protocol Ariel Rodelas Peñaranda, the full-day program combined expert lectures, interactive simulation exercises, and a formal dinner designed to simulate real diplomatic scenarios.

Participants received valuable insights from Foreign Service Institute Director General Francisco Noel R. Fernandez III, Assistant Secretary Peñaranda, former Ambassador Monina Estrella Callangan Rueca, Protocol Expert Revimarc De Mesa, and calligraphy artist Ms. Elna Loberiano. The sessions covered a wide range of topics, including international protocol standards, flag etiquette, order of precedence, event management, hosting practices, and social graces and etiquette.

In the calligraphy session, participants used tools provided by the International Association of Master Penmen, Engrossers, and Teachers of Handwriting (IAMPETH), a U.S.-based nonprofit that promotes the preservation of the arts of calligraphy and penmanship.

To reinforce the lessons, participants were grouped into teams to simulate diplomatic and ceremonial scenarios such as bilateral meetings, signing ceremonies, tête-à-tête conversations, and ribbon-cutting programs. The workshop concluded with a formal dinner simulation, during which participants practiced delivering brief remarks, observing proper etiquette, seating protocol, and dining decorum.

In her remarks, Undersecretary De La Vega underscored that protocol is not merely ceremonial but fundamental to effective diplomacy, especially as the Philippines continues to host and participate in a growing number of high-level visits and international engagements. She emphasized that protocol facilitates mutual respect, ensures smooth coordination, and contributes to the country’s positive image on the world stage.

She also announced the upcoming launch of a DFA learning management system on protocol and social graces, which will serve as a centralized platform for training materials, reference tools, and best practices. She encouraged that similar workshops be held regularly to benefit more personnel across the Department. 

The workshop affirms the DFA’s commitment to cultivating institutional excellence, strengthening diplomatic preparedness, and upholding the values of service, dignity, and respect in all international engagements. END

(Seated, left to right) Former Ambassador Monina Estrella Callangan Rueca, Undersecretary for Administration Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega, Assistant Secretary and Chief of Protocol Ariel Rodelas Peñaranda, and Department Legislative Liaison Unit (DLLU) Assistant Secretary Zaldy Patron pose for a photo with the participants of the Retooling Workshop on Protocol, Social Etiquette, and Calligraphy

Foreign Service Institute (FSI) Director General Francisco Noel R. Fernandez III provides a comprehensive overview of protocol in the government

Assistant Secretary and Chief of Protocol Peñaranda discusses various principles and concepts of protocol, particularly the flag protocol, order of precedence, and templates for several ceremonies

Mr. Revimarc De Mesa underscores several concepts in managing official and diplomatic events of the Philippine government

 Ambassador Monina Estrella Callangan Rueca highlights the importance of social graces and etiquette among the participants.  

Ms. Elna Loberiano demonstrates the strokes of calligraphy to Assistant Secretary Ariel Rodelas Peñaranda

In a scenario during the simulation portion, the participants discuss the seating arrangement for a bilateral meeting based on the general order of precedence

DFA-OP Ceremonials Division Acting Director Christian Andrei Aguilar shares his observations on the execution of the tête-à-tête scenario