FSO Cadets Visit Heritage Town of Taal and Police Academy

TAGAYTAY 20 September 2024 – On 11 September 2024, the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) organized a visit to the heritage town of Taal, Batangas and the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) for participants of its Foreign Service Officers’ Cadetship Course. Led by FSI’s Executive Director Lolita B. Capco, the participants explored the historical structures of Taal and engaged with PNPA cadets.

To cultivate their appreciation and knowledge of cultural heritage, the participants went on a Taal heritage walk featuring various structures in the heritage town. The walk started at the Taal Basilica, a symbol of catholicism which continues to be a popular venue for events from families in the area. Next stop was Casa Punzalan, a private home leased to the government of Taal by the Taaleño Punzalan Family with the request that the house be kept in its original condition and be a comfortable accommodation for the visitors of the town. Also visited was the Wedding House, Camera Museum, and Marcela Agoncillo’s house. Marcela was the principal seamstress of the first flag of the Philippines.

The program continued with a visit to the PNPA in Silang, Cavite. Col Romeo Ruel R. Berango, Acting Chief of Staff of the PNPA, welcomed the FSO Cadets, sharing some of his experience working with DFA. The PNPA also conducted a briefing where they shared the mandate, structure, and activities of the Academy. The visit concluded with a rolling tour of the PNPA facilities conducted by PNPA cadets who guided the participants around. END