DFA Undersecretary Commends Inter-Agency Support at Protocol’s Partners for Diplomatic Affairs Event
(1st row, left to right) BIR Deputy Commissioner Atty. Larry M. Barcelo, Assistant Secretary and Chief of Protocol Ariel Rodelas Peñaranda, Chief of Presidential Protocol Reichel Quiñones, Undersecretary Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega, MIAA General Manager Eric Jose C. Ines, BIR Deputy Commissioner Marissa O. Cabreros, Senate Protocol Director General Antonio G. de Guzman Jr.
(2nd row, left to right) Deputy Chief of Presidential Protocol Dennis John Briones, PNP CICD Chief Arturo P. Brual Jr., BOC District Collector Alexander Gerard E. Alviar, BOC Deputy Collector Florante Ricarte and Deputy Assistant Secretary and Deputy Chief of Protocol Ruel U. Gunabe.
MANILA 12 December 2024 — For the first time in many years, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Office of Protocol organized the Partners for Diplomatic Affairs event at the Gallardo Ballroom, Makati Diamond Residences on 09 December 2024. The event recognized the invaluable support of key government agencies and institutions that have been instrumental in advancing Philippine diplomacy in the area of diplomatic protocol. It also served as an opportunity to formally welcome Undersecretary for Administration Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega back from her successful posting as Philippine Ambassador to Australia.
The event brought together key officials, including Honorable Reichel Quiñones, Chief of Presidential Protocol; Honorable Romeo D. Lumagui Jr., Commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue; Honorable Antonio G. de Guzman Jr., Director General of the Senate Office of International Relations and Protocol; and Honorable Eric Jose C. Ines, General Manager of the Manila International Airport Authority.
Undersecretary De La Vega, the event’s Guest of Honor, commended the collaborative efforts of partner agencies in supporting the diplomatic corps, consular corps, and visiting foreign dignitaries. She also emphasized the concept of reciprocity. “The courtesies we extend to foreign diplomats reflect the same courtesies we expect for our own diplomats abroad. This mutual respect strengthens trust and furthers our relationships globally,” she said.
Assistant Secretary and Chief of Protocol Ariel R. Peñaranda, in his opening remarks, underscored the importance of inter-agency collaboration in achieving the DFA’s mandate. "Your contributions, whether in security, logistics, or facilitation, have been indispensable in strengthening our country’s diplomatic engagements,” he said.
He also highlighted key milestones achieved in 2024, made possible through close cooperation with partner agencies:
Coordination of 27 visits by Foreign Ministers, a 300% increase from 2023, and 7 Deputy Foreign Minister visits. Facilitation of credentials presentation for 28 foreign ambassadors. Assistance with Heads of State and Government visits, including ceremonial arrangements and logistical support.
Assistant Secretary Peñaranda expressed his gratitude to the Office of the Presidential Protocol, Bureau of Immigration, Manila International Airport Authority, New NAIA Infra Corporation (NNIC), Bureau of Internal Revenue, Bureau of Customs, Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Land Transportation Office, DPWH, Office of the Manila Mayor, National Parks Development Committee, Congress, and the Senate, emphasizing their critical roles in the year’s successes.
The Partners for Diplomatic Affairs event not only celebrated past accomplishments but also underscored the vital role of inter-agency cooperation in ensuring that Philippine diplomacy remains professional, efficient, and respected internationally. END
Undersecretary Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega delivering her remarks at the event.
Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. during a brief conversation with Undersecretary Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega, Assistant Secretary Ariel R. Peñaranda and other guests during the event.
