DFA Chief of Protocol Conducts Series of Lectures on Social Etiquette and Diplomatic Correspondences for FSO Cadets
Assistant Secretary and Chief of Protocol Ariel Rodelas Peñaranda poses with the group recognized as Best Presenters, as voted by their peers, following their exercise on diplomatic correspondence
MANILA 02 June — The Department of Foreign Affairs – Office of Protocol (DFA-OP), through Assistant Secretary and Chief of Protocol Ariel Rodelas Peñaranda, delivered a two-part lecture series for the 31st Foreign Service Officers Cadetship Course (FSOCC) at the Foreign Service Institute (FSI).
The first lecture, held on 20 May 2025, focused on Social Etiquette for Official and Diplomatic Functions and covered protocol hierarchy, formal conduct at official events, and cross-cultural nuances. Addressing the 13 newly inducted cadets, Assistant Secretary Peñaranda emphasized the role of etiquette as both a communication tool and a form of diplomacy.
“In diplomacy, your words open doors—but your manners keep them open,” he remarked, highlighting how protocol, cultural sensitivity, and social graces are vital to building lasting diplomatic relationships, expected of the Philippine representatives abroad.
On 21 May 2025, the second lecture addressed Diplomatic Correspondences where the cadets were introduced to various types of diplomatic correspondence, including their proper usage.
“Diplomatic correspondence is more than writing—it is statecraft on paper,” Assistant Secretary Peñaranda reminded the FSOCC cadets. He concluded the session with a powerful message: “Every line you write in diplomacy is a thread in the fabric of peace—measured, deliberate, and bearing the weight of our nation,” underscoring the precision and intent behind each written communication.
The lectures form part of the cadets’ final modules and are designed to enhance their preparedness for the multifaceted responsibilities in the foreign service. Both sessions offered practical insights and real-world applications, reinforcing the importance of both spoken and written diplomacy.
Through this engagement with the Office of Protocol, the FSOCC cadets gained valuable knowledge and tools to effectively represent the country in both ceremonial and communicative functions on the global stage.
A mandatory training program for newly appointed Foreign Service Officers, the FSOCC is a six-month training conducted by FSI. END
Assistant Secretary and Chief of Protocol Ariel Rodelas Peñaranda underscores the power of words during the lecture on diplomatic correspondence on 21 May 2025
Foreign Service Officer Cadets attentively observe as Assistant Director Abdalla demonstrates the proper table setting for formal diplomatic functions
The first group of FSO Cadets presents their exercise during the lecture on diplomatic correspondences led by Assistant Secretary and Chief of Protocol Ariel Rodelas Peñaranda at the Foreign Service Institute
The FSOCC cadets and representatives from FSI and the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) pose for a photo with Assistant Secretary and Chief of Protocol Ariel Rodelas Peñaranda (center), who is joined by Acting Director for Socials Division Frances Cleofas and Assistant Director O’myr Faisal Mustafa Abdalla, following the lecture on Social Graces and Etiquette on 20 May 2025