05 December 2016 — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Office of Public Diplomacy (OPD) launched on November 29 its pioneering publication, “A Handbook on Philippine Public Diplomacy” at the Bulwagang Apolinario Mabini, DFA Building in Pasay City. 

“A Handbook on Philippine Public Diplomacy” is a compilation of articles written by active public diplomacy practitioners, stakeholders and scholars in the field. As a pioneering work, the articles contain first-hand records of experiences in handling various issues in which Philippine diplomats needed to apply public diplomacy skills learned on the ground, such as in nation branding, online engagement, Filipino community relations abroad, and crisis management.

The launch was attended by an eclectic mix of guests who represented the book’s intended audience: Philippine diplomats, academic officials, teachers and students, and even media practitioners.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Yasay heralded the publication of the book as timely in light of the general public’s increasing interest in issues related to foreign policy and international affairs.

“This book, “A Handbook on Philippine Public Diplomacy,” is the first successful attempt at recording – and interpreting -- the experiences and observations of Philippine practitioners in this emergent field of diplomacy. I am pleased to note that the book draws from the opinions and experiences of our own Department’s officers,” said Secretary Yasay during his keynote speech.

“I think we chose a very relevant and timely topic for the book—Public Diplomacy as practiced by the Department of Foreign Affairs in pursuit of our foreign policy.  You will not find that many, if any, literature on this topic because it is a rather novel one,” explained Assistant Secretary for Public Diplomacy Charles C. Jose, project head and co-editor of the book.

Among the book’s contributors are Ambassador Laura Quiambao-Del Rosario, President of Pax et Lumen International Academy; Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia J. Eduardo E. Malaya III; Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Raul S. Hernandez; Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand Jesus R.S. Domingo; Mr. Ariel R. Peñaranda, Executive Director of the DFA Office of Planning & Policy Coordination; Mr. Roderico C. Atienza, First Secretary & Consul at the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, Republic of Korea; Ms. Sharon Johnnette M. Agduma, Third Secretary & Vice Consul at the Philippine Permanent Mission to the United Nations & Other International Organizations in Geneva, Switzerland; Ms. Darell Ann R. Artates, Third Secretary & Vice Consul at the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C.; Ms. Maria Anna Rowena Luz G. Layador, MIS, MA, Division Chief of the Center for International Strategic Studies of the Foreign Service Institute; and Ms. Michaela P. Del Callar, a veteran journalist and member of the DFA Press Corps.

Mr. Julio S. Amador III, Deputy Director-General of the Foreign Service Institute is the book’s co-editor.

The book is slated for a limited print distribution in December 2016.  Copies will be given to the libraries and collections of select academic institutions, select government agencies, as well as to the Sentro Rizal or Filipiniana corner of all Philippine Foreign Service Posts and Regional Consular Offices. It will also be available at the Carlos P. Romulo Library of the DFA in Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City.

For further information on the book, DFA OPD may be reached via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via Facebook (@dfaphl) and Twitter @dfaphl. END