DFA Unveils Philippine Soft Power Publications, Highlights Global Influence through Filipino Values and Culture
MANILA 12 December 2024 — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) launched The Philippine Soft Power Roadmap, the agency’s contribution to a more streamlined government approach in enhancing the country’s image and influence abroad, at an event at the DFA’s Bulwagang Apolinario Mabini, Pasay City on 11 December 2024.
The Philippine Soft Power Roadmap, the outcome of a 14-month project spearheaded by the DFA Office of Public Diplomacy (DFA-OPD) led by Assistant Secretary Arvin R. de Leon involving extensive research and a series of consultation workshops with government and non-government stakeholders, is a strategic guide to the Department and its 98 Foreign Service Posts worldwide in their soft power work. This Roadmap may also later serve as a valuable reference for other government agencies and sectors across the Philippines.
“Today we launch the Philippine Soft Power Roadmap as a call to action — a pivotal first step in a strategic effort to enhance our international image and strengthen our global reach and influence. This Roadmap seeks to mobilize a concerted effort by all government agencies and other sectors of Philippine society to realize, and maximize, the country’s soft power potential. We believe that each and every Filipino has a stake and a role in this endeavor and our roadmap recognizes this,” said Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique A. Manalo.
The event also featured the presentation of two other publications which highlight Philippine soft power, namely, The Frontiers of Foreign Policy: Essays on Philippine Soft Power and Colors of Diplomacy: Register of Artworks of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The anthology The Frontiers of Foreign Policy: Essays on Philippine Soft Power features reflections of diplomats, academicians, artists, as well as cultural and communications professionals on the meaning of soft power and on the central role of public and cultural diplomacy in the attainment of Philippine foreign policy objectives. The coffee table book Colors of Diplomacy: Register of Artworks of the Department of Foreign Affairs, produced through the efforts of the DFA’s Office of Asset Management and Support Services, serves as a registry of government-owned artworks in possession of the DFA. The book also promotes the Philippines’ cultural heritage by featuring the artworks created by renowned Filipino artists, Filipino artists abroad, and works of foreign artists that were donated to Philippine Embassies and Consulates General.
The event was also highlighted with a panel discussion on soft power which saw a distinguished panel of experts and practitioners from diverse fields: political analyst Richard Heydarian, artist and cultural ambassador Manuel Baldemor, strategic communications and nation branding expert Junie del Mundo, and Congressman Christopher V.P. de Venecia, Representative of the 4th District of Pangasinan and advocate for the Philippine creative industries. The panelists imparted unique insights into how soft power can be harnessed to advance the Philippines’ standing on the global stage.
Classical fusion violinist Princess Ybanez and crooner Giver Costibolo, both promising young artists, delighted the audience with cultural performances that highlight Filipino talent and artistry and their power to create connections that go beyond borders, forging stronger global bonds. END
