DFA Women Officers Complete Cornell University Online Certificate Program on Women in Leadership

DFA Human Resource Management Office (HRMO) Assistant Secretary Christopher B. Montero (center) together with the DFA female officers in the Home Office who completed Cornell University’s Online Certificate Program on Women in Leadership namely: (L-R) Ms. Catherine Alpay, Ms. LV De Guzman, Ms. Nicole Therese De Castro, Ms. Maria Cynthia Pelayo, Ms. Mary Jennifer Dingal, Ms. Greg Marie Marino, Ms. Rea Oreta, Ms. Darell Ann Artates and Ms. Christiansen Cabahug

DFA female officers in the Foreign Service Posts participating via Zoom Video Conferencing Platform namely: Ms. Renee Gayle Chua, Ms. Janice Sanchez-Rivera, Ms. Ma. Carmela Teresea Cabreira, Ms. Bien Janine Alfaro, Ms. Alena Grace Borra, Ms. Aprilfeur Galima-Mejia, Ms. Crystal Gale Dampil, Ms. Christian Hope Reyes, Ms. Ma. Claribel Ochoa, Ms. Patricia Milla, Ms. Mary Joy Ramirez, Ms. Maricris Corrado, Ms. Jaybee Arguillas and Ms. Feamor Vyn Tiosen.

PASAY 04 April 2023 – The Human Resources Management Office (HRMO) of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) concluded its celebration of the 2023 National Women’s Month on 31 March 2023, through a hybrid ceremonial conferment of Certificates/Plaques to 40 female officers in the DFA, who successfully completed Cornell University’s Online Certificate Program on Women in Leadership.

The e-Cornell scholarship program is a continuing initiative of the Department in addressing the gender gap among DFA personnel occupying mid- to senior-level positions. Since 2020, the course has served as an alternative platform that provides an interactive and rigorous leadership training for female officers in the DFA.

HRMO Assistant Secretary Christopher B. Montero, in his message, recognized the capabilities of strong DFA female leaders in the promotion and the advancement of the Department's gender mainstreaming efforts. He also reminded the graduates of the power they wield as women who are making big differences and contributions, particularly in the field of diplomacy.

In her testimony on the program’s impact in her career as female officer in the DFA, Executive Director Mary Jennifer Dingal of the Office of Protocol, a graduate of the program, shared that the course placed her in a better position to initiate and lead change, especially for women who are facing difficult circumstances. The course allowed her to become a more effective mentor and coach to her family, colleagues, and clients overseas and has enabled her to establish a stronger support network with partner agencies, the Filipino community and authorities from the host country. END