DFA Office of Public Diplomacy Holds Second Session of Media and Information Literacy Program on Effective Media Engagement

In-person “Talk with Impact” participants and OPD officials with Resource Speaker Ms. Pia Hontiveros. (Photo credits DFA-OPD Clark Joseph Z. Galang)

MANILA 09 October 2025 — The Office of Public Diplomacy (OPD) continues its Media and Information Literacy Program (MILP) with its second session, entitled Talk with Impact: Strategies for Effective Media Engagement. The seminar was held in partnership with the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) and featured experts from the field of public relations, Ma. Luisa ‘Louie’ Sebastian, APR, and Deivid Guian Rioferio, APR, as well as seasoned broadcast journalist Pia Hontiveros.

Building on the success of its inaugural session, Truth, Talk, and Tactics: Truth in Focus held in August 2025, this new installment of the MILP focused on equipping DFA personnel with practical skills to maintain productive media relations, craft impactful key messages, and handle press interviews with confidence and credibility.

In his opening remarks, OPD Assistant Secretary Arvin R. de Leon emphasized the vital role of effective communication in public diplomacy, underscoring that “Our words often carry more than our own voice—they represent the Philippine government. In every interview, message, or response, the way we communicate shapes perceptions and reflects the image of our nation.”

Resource speakers from the PRSP shared insights on the essentials of building and sustaining positive media relationships, do’s and don’ts for media interviews, and crafting effective messaging in the Philippine setting. Drawing on insights from her broadcasting career, Ms. Pia Hontiveros provided an insider’s perspective from the newsroom. Selected DFA Personnel at the Home Office and foreign service posts underwent an interactive simulation with Pia Hontiveros, which allowed participants to apply their lessons from the training and experience being interviewed on the spot by journalists.

The Media and Information Literacy Program, organized in collaboration with PRSP, is a continuing initiative of OPD designed to enhance the capacity of DFA personnel to respond effectively to the evolving information environment. By equipping officers with the skills to manage media interactions, craft compelling narratives, and uphold the values of truth and transparency, the program supports the Department’s mission of advancing the country’s foreign policy objectives through effective public diplomacy. END

OPD Assistant Secretary Arvin R. de Leon delivers his  opening remarks during “Talk with Impact.” (Photo credits DFA-OPD Clark Joseph Z. Galang)

Ms. Pia Hontiveros shares her expertise and skills in media interviews to DFA Personnel. (Photo credits DFA-OPD Clark Joseph Z. Galang)

Ambassador Flerida Ann Camille P. Mayo, Third Secretary Teri Adolf C. Bautista, Vice Consul Marco Frederick B. Harder, Deputy Assistant Secretary Ambrosio Brian F. Enciso III, and Acting Director Joan Macrise C. Corrado participate in the media simulation with Pia Hontiveros and David Guian Rioferio, APR.  (Photo credits DFA-OPD Clark Joseph Z. Galang)

From Left to Right: OPD Acting Director Jacqueline Joan S. Arquiza; OPD Acting Executive Director Duke A. Villanueva; PRSP President Ma. Luisa ‘Louie’ P. Sebastian, APR; PRSP Trustee Deivid Guian B. Rioferio, APR; and Acting Director Joan Macrise C. Corrado. (Photo credits DFA-OPD Clark Joseph Z. Galang)