DFA Conducts Protocol Training as Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur Prepares for ASEAN 2025

Caption: Assistant Secretary Ariel Rodelas Peñaranda and his training team with Her Excellency Ambassador Maria Angela A. Ponce and the Philippine Embassy personnel, gathered after a successful protocol training session in Kuala Lumpur (Photo Credit: Philippine Embassy in Malaysia).

KUALA LUMPUR 07 March 2025 – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) conducted training on basic diplomatic and government protocol for personnel of the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, including the heads and staff of its attached agencies on 22 to 23 February 2025. The training was led by Assistant Secretary and Chief of Protocol Ariel Rodelas Peñaranda, following the invitation of Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Ma. Angela A. Ponce.

The initiative aimed to enhance the Embassy’s protocol capabilities as it prepares for Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairship in 2025, where it is expected to play a key role in high-level diplomatic engagements.

Assistant Secretary Peñaranda was joined by Acting Director for Socials Division O’Myr Faisal Mustafa C. Abdalla and Protocol Officer Jose Paolo Miguel M. Festejo in conducting the two-day training, which combined both theoretical foundations and practical applications of diplomatic protocol.

On the first day, participants were introduced to the fundamentals of ceremonial and social protocol, including the duties and responsibilities of a Protocol Officer or Liaison Officer. The session also featured simulation exercises, providing hands-on experience in hosting official events and attending to high-level Filipino officials.

The second day focused on the ASEAN Protocol, offering a broader regional perspective. The team shared insights from their experiences as protocol officers during international conferences, including the last ASEAN Summit. This session provided participants with a deeper understanding of protocol practices within ASEAN, helping them align their skills with international standards. 

With diplomacy and protocol playing a crucial role in advancing national interests, ensuring that embassy personnel are well-prepared is essential in maintaining strong regional partnerships and promoting the Philippines' active engagement in ASEAN. END

Assistant Secretary Ariel Rodelas Peñaranda delivers a lecture on Basic Diplomatic and Government Protocol, equipping Philippine Embassy personnel with essential knowledge in preparation for Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship (Photo Credit: Philippine Embassy in Malaysia).

Acting Director Abdalla expertly demonstrates fine dining etiquette, guiding participants through the nuances of formal table manners, proper utensil use, and diplomatic dining protocols during the training session in Kuala Lumpur (Photo Credit: Philippine Embassy in Malaysia). 

DFA-OP trainers demonstrate the proper way to conduct a signing ceremony, ensuring Philippine Embassy personnel are well-versed in the protocols and formalities of high-level diplomatic engagements (Photo Credit: Philippine Embassy in Malaysia).