DFA, FSI Conduct Second Iteration of Seminar-Workshop on Protocol and Social Graces for Papua New Guinea and Nauru Diplomats

Mr. Revimarc De Mesa explains diplomatic protocol concepts to the participants.

PASAY CITY 17 March 2023 – The DFA Office of Asian and Pacific Affairs (ASPAC), in partnership with the Foreign Service Institute (FSI), held the second iteration of the virtual seminar-workshop on protocol, social graces, and etiquette for selected diplomats from the Independent State of Papua New Guinea and the Republic of Nauru on 14-15 March 2023.

In his keynote remarks, ASPAC Assistant Secretary Neal Imperial underscored the close relations of the Philippines with the Pacific islands, being part of the Pacific community of nations and noting the interlinked histories, language, similar geostrategic challenges, and common aspirations.

Facilitating the seminar-workshop was Mr. Revimarc L. de Mesa, a former Deputy Chief of Presidential Protocol of the Office of the President of the Republic of the Philippines (2006-2008) and recipient of several government awards for the successful hosting of Philippines-hosted summits and meetings.

The first seminar-workshop was organized in October 2022 for 30 selected diplomats from the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), and the Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI). The series of seminar-workshops is part of the Department’s efforts to strengthen Philippine engagements with Pacific Island Countries through South-South cooperation. END

Mr. Revimarc De Mesa simulates the table setting for a formal, five-course feast.