UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES

TERMINAL REPORT
Department of Foreign Affairs

Submitted by: Frances Grace P. Damazo 2009-08193

5/21/2012

AGENCY BACKGROUND
History The Department of Foreign Affair had its beginnings when Apolinario Mabini became the first Department Secretary after Emilio Aguinaldo appointed him. It was among the first government government departments created following the establishment of the First Philippine Republic. Established on 23 June 1898, the Department of Foreign Affairs (Kagawaran ng Ugnayang Panlabas) is the first and prime government agency tasked to promote the interests of the Philippines and the Filipino people in the world community. After the American and Japanese occupation, the Departments main tasks were to assist in post-war rehabilitation, formulate policies for investment promotion, and establish diplomatic relations with other countries. The DFA led in the conclusion of the RP-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty, as well as in the Laurel-Langley Agreement, thus paving the way for a balanced yet robust trade and military relations with the United States. During the Marcos years, foreign policy was redefined as the safeguarding of territorial integrity and national dignity. Marcos further focused on increased regional cooperation and collaboration. It was during this period that ASEAN was established with the Philippines among its founding members. Throughout the 1970s, the DFA pursued the promotion of trade and investments, played an active role in hosting international meetings, and participated in the meetings of the NonAligned Movement. The Foreign Service Institute was created in 1976 to provide in-house training to Foreign Service personnel. The EDSA Revolution in 1986 saw the re-establishment of a democratic government under President Corazon Aquino. The Philippines became one of the founding members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in November 1989, and an active player in regional efforts to establish the ASEAN Free Trade Area. In the 1990s, more diplomatic missions were established in the Middle East to improve existing ties with Arab states and to respond to the growing needs of Overseas Filipino workers in the region. The Ramos administration from July 1992 to June 1998 defined the four core priorities of Philippine foreign policy namely: the enhancement of national security, promotion of economic diplomacy, protection of overseas Filipino workers and Filipino nationals abroad, and the projection of a good image of the country abroad. During the Arroyo administration, foreign policies were based on nine realities, namely: First, the dynamics of relations between China, Japan and the United States determine the security situation and economic evolution of East Asia. Second, Philippine foreign policy decisions are, increasingly, being made in the context of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Third, Europe will continue to play a significant role in promoting international prosperity and stability.

 Fourth, the international Islamic community remains crucial to the country's search for lasting and permanent peace in Mindanao. Fifth, inter-regional organizations will become increasingly influential in the global context. Sixth, the protection of the environment, natural resources and maritime territory. Seventh, the drive for foreign markets and foreign direct investments will form a focal concern of economic diplomacy efforts. Eighth, international tourism will be a major driver of national growth. Ninth, overseas Filipinos play a critical role in the country's economic and social stability. The DFA is also guided by the three fundamental pillars of Philippine foreign policy. These are: 1. Preservation and enhancement of national security; 2. Promotion and attainment of economic security; 3. Protection of the rights and promotion of the welfare and interest of Filipinos overseas.

Mission Vision THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS is the prime agency of government responsible for the pursuit of the State's foreign policy and the nerve center for a Foreign Service worthy of the trust and pride of every Filipino. We are an organization of competent, dedicated and highly motivated personnel, who devote their energies to the benefit of the Filipino people. We implement foreign policy with the highest standards of professionalism and commitment. We pursue bilateral, regional and multilateral relations to advance the interest of the Philippines and the Filipinos. We build partnerships with national security and development agencies, think-tanks and the academe, the private sector, the media and civil society in the interest of the nation and the people. To advance the interests of the Philippines and the Filipino people in the world community.

We endeavor to promote regional and global cooperation in order to achieve peace, prosperity and stability. In the global arena, we work for social justice especially for the poor, human rights and fundamental freedoms, and a democratic way of life. We are committed to secure a world free from serious environmental degradation, transnational crime and proliferation of nuclear weapons. Our missions abroad are the partners of Filipinos overseas in the pursuit of the national interest and in the promotion and protection of their rights and well-being. We have highly responsive system, which ensures effective delivery of services. Our personnel are our greatest asset. We are committed to the personal, professional and career development of each employee. In pursuit of our goals, we strive for and live by the principles of excellence, integrity and patriotism.

Objectives

To participate in the national endeavor to sustain development and to enhance the Philippines' competitive edge in a global milieu; To contribute to the enhancement of national security and the protection of the territorial integrity and national sovereignty; To protect the rights and promote the welfare of Filipinos overseas and to mobilize them as partners in national development; To project a positive image of the Philippines; To increase international understanding of Philippine culture for mutually-beneficial relations with other countries; and, To increase and maximize human, financial, technological and other resources to optimize the performance of the Department.

THE ASSIGNED UNIT: OFFICE OF THE UNDERSECRETARY FOR INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC RELATIONS

The Office of the Undersecretary for International Economic Relations (OUIER) is principally in-charge with implementing and coordinating the responsibilities and functions of the Department of Foreign Affairs relating to trade and investments, science and technology, the environment and sustainable development, official development cooperation and other related economic/social concerns, particularly those related to issues on women and youth vis--vis other countries, in cooperation with all Philippine government agencies concerned and the private sector. OUIER is divided into units, namely: Cultural Diplomacy and GAD (Gender and Development), APEC National Secretariat in the Philippines (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation), and Economic Diplomacy. I was assigned in the Economic Diplomacy Unit (EDU) of OUIER. EDU primarily provides support for our embassies and consulates in their economic diplomacy programs by securing informational materials from various public and private sources. It refers to the appropriate government agencies various requests from the Posts (i.e. verifying existence of certain firms, business matching, tourism and trade opportunities). Basically, EDU-OUIER disseminates information on Philippine economic conditions and on international economic matters. It utilizes economic intelligence reports prepared by Foreign Service Posts, other government agencies and the private sector. Also, it endorses overseas international fairs, conventions, etc. to both the public and private sectors as well as endorsing local fairs and conventions to Foreign Service Posts. In addition, EDU participates in and reports on economic meetings in DFA, other government agencies and the private sector.

DUTIES/ TASKS ASSIGNED:

ASSESSMENT OF THE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

The Internship Program was one of my most significant experiences in College. It has provided me with various opportunities and experiences not readily available in the confines of the classroom. The Internship Program has helped me to understand better how government works. For one, it has taught me that in a particular agency there are lots of divisions inside that serve a unique function. Even if an executive department is tasked to do a particular function, it is still complex and involves different offices inside. The nature of duties for each varies depending on the offices. I learned so much during the 200 hours I spent in DFA. For one, I realized that one office cannot function on its own. Everything is interrelated. It is of utmost importance that each unit inside the Department does its job because its efficiency or the lack of it affects the operations of the other units. Therefore, proper coordination within the department is needed. Another thing, I learned that the Department cannot function without the help of other government agencies. Since communications and outbound/inbound missions are transmitted everyday, it is vital to do the tasks assigned as soon as possible for the most resourceful way of delivering services. I learned that no task is ever small. Every work done inside the Department contributes to a larger scheme of things: be it drafting communication letters, establishing contacts, determining what action to undertake, etc. All of these are necessary to complete a particular project. I felt fulfilled writing the letters, memorandums and sending out fax messages because I knew I was doing something important: I was transmitting information that could help ensure trade or investments for the country. More importantly, I was able to use Praxistheory put into practice. Whereas before I only had a vague and bookish definition of things, the Internship Program helped me comprehend how the Bureaucracy actually works. It was because of this that I was able to compare how things ought to be and how things are actually practiced. I was also able to observe the best practices and pinpoint some of the weaknesses. The PA courses I took proved to be very helpful like the core courses and in my case, PA 172 because of the nature of my office. The things I learned in the academe helped me determine the reason behind some actions taken. I learned the practical way of solving troubleshooting problems.
.But I guess, most of the learning I acquired was from the discipline itself, and the things surrounding it. The experience was very humbling because it made me realize that I dont know everything; that everyone needs to start at the bottom sometimes to be able to appreciate your work. I learned how to maintain coolness under pressure or simply be diplomatic in certain situations. I learned how to deal with superiors and co-interns alike. I learned responsibility in a greater level. I learned how to multitask. I had a glimpse of the real world. All in all, I realized the importance of government agencies and clear out my own misconceptions about it. The Internship Program provided me with an opportunity to test my skills beyond the classroom setting.

RECOMMENDATIONS
Overall, the conduct of the Program was satisfactory. For recommendations, it would be best if student interns are given more hands-on experience on the tasks that each office do for the students to have a clearer picture of the functions. Also, it would be best if the Department, as well as NCPAG sees to it that interns are given substantive work. A rotation program inside the office, even if only within one particular office, could also be helpful. More visits from the adviser could also help track of the students progress. For future PA 181 students it would be best to keep an open mind and be open to various tasks because whether its big or small, it is still learning.