DFA Highlights Social Graces, Etiquette during Basic Diplomatic and Government Protocol Training for Philippine Navy 

Capt. Darwin F. Nieva, Secretary of the Naval Staff, expresses his views on the importance of cultural sensitivity and social etiquette

MANILA 17 July 2025 — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) conducted a hybrid training on basic diplomatic and government protocol, social graces, and etiquette for the personnel and spouses of the officials of the Philippine Navy (PN), which was held on 02 July 2025 at the Philippine Navy Naval Base in Pasay City. 

The training, hosted by the Philippine Navy, was facilitated by a team from the DFA - Office of Protocol headed by Acting Director for Socials Division Ms. Frances Louissa C. Cleofas and assisted by Ms. Nova L. De Lara and Mr. Luigi Kyle V. Rosales. 

The activity began with remarks from Mrs. Marie Venus P. Ezpeleta, Adviser of the Philippine Navy Officers Wives and Husbands Association (PNOWHA) and spouse of Philippine Navy Flag Officer-in-Command Vice Admiral Jose Ma Ambrosio Q. Ezpeleta, who stressed the significance of the training in reinforcing the knowledge and skills of personnel and spouses of PN officials as they perform their respective roles while engaging visiting foreign dignitaries and their counterparts in the Philippines, as well as in upholding PN’s traditions. 

Over 80 participants, composed of PN personnel and members of the PNOWHA, were briefed on the fundamentals and principles of diplomatic protocol, social  graces, and etiquette. Practical insights and various scenarios were demonstrated to enhance their understanding of the lecture, and preparedness in performing their official functions. END

PNOWHA Adviser Mrs. Marie Venus P. Ezpeleta shares her personal experience in attending official and social functions as the spouse of a Philippine Navy official

The DFA - Office of Protocol team with the Chief of Naval Staff RADM. Alan M. Javier PN (7th from right), PNOWHA Adviser Mrs. Marie Venus Espeleta (8th from right), and the rest of the participants