DFA Protocol Office Learns from the Past to Represent the Nation Better: A two-day Tour of Bulacan and Pampanga as Part of Heritage and Protocol Readiness
The DFA-OP team led by Assistant Secretary Ariel Rodelas Peñaranda visits the Provincial Capitol of Malolos and was met by the Provincial Administrator Ms. Antonia V. Constantino, on behalf of Governor Daniel R. Fernando, and Provincial History, Arts, Culture and Tourism Office Officer-in-Charge Ms. May Arlene Torres.
MANILA 31 July 2025 – The Department of Foreign Affairs - Office of Protocol (DFA-OP) recently concluded a two-day Tourism, Arts, and Cultural Awareness Activity in the provinces of Bulacan and Pampanga, reaffirming its commitment to cultural fluency, inclusive diplomacy, and representational readiness in engaging the diplomatic corps and visiting dignitaries.
Led by Assistant Secretary and Chief of Protocol Ariel Rodelas Peñaranda, the DFA-OP visited key cultural and historical sites—including Malolos, Angeles City, and the Clark Freeport Zone—where they engaged with stories of revolution, women's empowerment, craftsmanship, cuisine, and regional innovation. These experiences are seen as vital building blocks in how the Philippines projects its identity on the world stage.
The program included a courtesy call at the Malolos Provincial Capitol, a historical tour of Barasoain Church and the Museum of the Republic of 1899, and a Gender and Development (GAD) session that honored the legacy of the 21 Women of Malolos. Protocol personnel also participated in a puni weaving workshop led by social enterprise Punique, demonstrating how traditional arts can empower communities and elevate cultural diplomacy.
In Pampanga, the team explored the Pamintuan Mansion, Museo ning Angeles, Clark Museum, and Clark International Airport—emphasizing the area’s growing relevance for diplomatic activity and its potential as a contingency site for embassies during emergencies in Metro Manila. The group also experienced a culinary diplomacy session at 25 Seeds Restaurant, where Chef Sau del Rosario presented a zero-waste heritage menu rooted in Kapampangan flavors.
“DFA-OP is widely known for training others in protocol, but we also consider ourselves
a learning organization,” said Assistant Secretary Peñaranda. “This immersion reinforces our capacity to represent the Philippines with depth, authenticity, and pride.”
The initiative highlights that protocol is not only about precedence and form, but also about storytelling, nation branding, and building lasting connections grounded in culture and history. END
The DFA-OP team learns about “21 Women of Malolos” who bravely pushed for women’s right to education during the Spanish occupation and participated in a workshop to learn the traditional Bulacan art of coconut leaf weaving or folding called “puni” through social enterprise Punique.
The DFA-OP team gains a deeper understanding of the history and culture of Angeles, Pampanga including the ancient script from Pampanga called kulitan and the province’s experience during the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo.
Chef Sau Del Rosario introduces 25 Seeds Restaurant and describes the dish he is preparing.