DOST Regional Offices Personnel Undergo Protocol, Social Graces and Etiquette Training With DFA 

Key personnel from the Department of Science and Technology’s Regional Offices underwent a two-day training course on protocol, social graces, and proper etiquette last February 27-28, 2025, at Miriam College in Quezon City under the tutelage of a Protocol Team from the Department of Foreign Affairs.   

Organized by the DOST-NCR, the training is envisioned to further hone the skills of Regional Office personnel, especially the designated Protocol Officers, in handling the various engagements of the Department, including attending to dignitaries in major events, facilitating the signing of inter-agency and inter-regional collaborative agreements, and cascading DOST’s programs and projects through local executives and leaders. The training is also in anticipation of the bigger role that DOST’s Regional Offices will play in view of reinforcing the Regional Development Councils with respective Regional Research, Development and Innovation Committees to accelerate socio-economic development in the regions through science, technology and innovation.  

In his message to the participants, DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr. underscored the DOST RO personnels’ roles as the Department’s Science Ambassadors in the regions. As field workers and DOST’s most visible representatives in the provinces and in the grassroots, how RO staff conduct themselves, even in the most menial of tasks, reflects both on the regional and the national office.  

The Science Chief noted that while the subject of observing proper protocol has generally been associated with dealing with dignitaries in formal functions, protocol literacy should also be applied when dealing with local executives, community elders, and residents, especially in implementing DOST’s programs, projects, and activities. “It is also important to be mindful of hierarchies, to accord people the deference that they deserve,” he added.  

“Proper protocol” pertains to a set of socially established rules and guidelines for appropriate behavior. This includes actions, manner of dressing, and interactions that are considered respectful in each situation.   

The DFA’s Protocol team, which is comprised of Mr. Gilbert Segarra, Director of the DFA Office of Protocol, Mr. O’myr Faisal Mustafa Abdalla, Acting Director of the Socials Division, DFA Office of Protocol, and Ms. Nova L. De Lara, also from the Office of Protocol, guided the participants on the dos and don’ts on diplomatic and ceremonial protocols. The lecture covered the proper procedures for addressing dignitaries and managing formal events, the Principles of Protocol, the Order of Precedence, Flag Protocol, the conduct and expectations from Protocol Officers, making courtesy calls, how to prepare invitations to formal events, and proper dining etiquette.   

The sessions also included Simulation Exercises where RO Protocol Officers executed various scenarios, such as meeting VIPs at the airport, signing partnership agreements, and welcoming dignitaries to major events.   

Undersecretary for Regional Operations Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang acknowledged that the training will be helpful in successfully promoting DOST and its programs to various stakeholders. He also echoed the sentiments of Secretary Solidum on the value of always observing professional conduct.  

 Engr. Mabborang stressed that “Words matter, actions matter, and nuances and non-verbal language matter. Proper protocol can make or break a deal, especially in corporate settings where first impressions, understanding of cultural norms and international protocols, and the practice of professionalism even in the performance of the simplest of tasks can have profound impacts.”   

Both DOST Executives expect that the participants will share what they have learned from the training with other focal persons from their respective regions. They expect more successful program implementations and the transfer of DOST-developed technologies resulting from the applications of the principles learned during the training course.  

Secretary Solidum also voiced his wish for similar training to be organized by the other agencies in the DOST system.  

By: Noel G. Calcetas, SCCU