Philippine workshop group photoIn November 2016, three faculty from the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies participated in a workshop hosted by the Republic of the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs.

The two-day event was part of the DFA’s preparation and planning for the Philippines’ assumption of the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2017.

Participants included 38 strategic communications specialists, public affairs officers, and communications policy officials with responsibilities in their respective organizations related in the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2017.   These offices included DFA, Presidential Communications Office, and the departments of National Defense, Trade and Investment, Finance, Energy, Science and Technology, Social Welfare and Development, and Labor. Other agencies represented were the Office of Civil Defense, Central Bank of the Philippines, Presidential Commission on Women, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and component services, and the Foreign Service Institute.

The workshop was led by the honorable Hellen B. De La Vega, Assistant Secretary, Office of ASEAN Affairs and Mr. Zaldy B. Patron, Executive Director, Office of ASEAN affairs.  DKI APCSS faculty included Dr. Virginia Watson, Professor Herman Finley, and adjunct professor Mary Markovinovic.  Also presenting was Mr. Howie Uyking from the Presidential Communications Operations Office.

Workshop topics included an overview of strategic communications and messages, audience and media selection, and measures of effectiveness.  Participants also received an overview of the Philippines’ current communications plan for its ASEAN Chairmanship.

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