The Department of Justice (DOJ) successfully concluded an introductory training on diplomacy and protocol on 14 February 2025. This initiative, led by the Office of the Chief State Counsel (OCSC) (Legal Staff), provided the OCSC personnel with a robust grounding in ceremonial protocol and etiquette. It is aimed to enhance the capacity of the participants on organizing and overseeing official and social events that involve interactions with diplomatic figures, foreign dignitaries, and high-level government officials, thereby enabling them to adeptly coordinate and manage significant events involving the diplomatic community.
In his Welcome Remarks, Chief State Counsel Dennis Arvin L. Chan highlighted the OCSC’s role as this Department’s focal office in treaty negotiations, requiring coordination with foreign counterparts. He emphasized the importance of upholding the Philippine hospitality and setting the appropriate tone in diplomatic discussions. He underscored the significance of protocol in preserving the dignity and decorum of official engagements, stating adherence to diplomatic protocols in official functions, high-level negotiations, and formal receptions ensure the professional and credible representation of the institution.
The training was facilitated by the Department of Foreign Affairs – Office of Protocol, led by Acting Director O’myr Faisal Mustafa C. Abdalla, and was structured to provide participants with both theoretical foundations and practical competencies in protocol management. Training sessions covered key topics such as basic diplomatic protocol, event and conference management, order of precedence, ceremonial functions, and the duties of a protocol officer.
The training was attended by State Counsels, lawyers and administrative staff of the OCSC and the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking in Persons (IACAT) Secretariat.
Chief State Counsel Chan, in his Closing Remarks, committed that “this [training] is definitely not the last. We must update our skills to meet the evolving demands of our work.”
