Seat work (July 5,2010)

Question #1 - What is the mandate of the Department of Foreig Affairs in terms of being the principal arm to implement foreign policy? What other institutions help or assist the DFA in realising foreign policies?

RA 7157, otherwise known as “Philippine Foreign Service Act of 1991”, gives mandate to the Department of Foreign Affairs to implement the three pillars of the Philippine Foreign Policy, as follows:

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 interests of Filipino overseas

Other institutions that can help the DFA realizing foreign policies are Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Department of Labor and Employment, Foreign Service Institute, Department of Tourism, Bureau of Local Employment, Department of Trade and Industry, Commission on Overseas Filipinos.

Question #2 – Enumerate the 8 Foreign Policy Realities of former President Arroyo. For each reality, find 2-3 related news articles and then make an analysis as to what extent did the Arroyo administration work to implement the said realities.

8 Foreign Policy Realities of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

1. China, Japan and the United States and their relationship will be a determining influence in the security situation and economic evolution of East Asia;

2. Philippine foreign policy decisions have to be made in the context of ASEAN;

3. The international Islamic community will continue to be important for the Philippines;

4. The coming years will see the growing importance of multilateral and inter-regional organizations to promote common interests;

5. As an archipelagic state, the defense of the nation's sovereignty and the protection of its environment and natural resources can be carried out only to the extent that it asserts its rights over the maritime territory and gets others to respect those rights;

6. The country's economic policy will continue to be friendly to both domestic and foreign direct investments;

7. The Philippines can benefit most quickly from international tourism

8. Overseas Filipinos will continue to be recognized for their critical role in the country's economic and social stability.

Question #3 – With the assistance of different bureaus, institutions as well as interest groups, it is the President that drafts state policies. What do you thinks will be included in President Noynoy’s foreign policy list now that he has assumed the Presidency? Identify five issues and find news clipping to support your answer.

Having a new leader of our country, we are expecting new foreign policies spearheaded by him, and President Noynoy’s foreign policy may include inviting more foreign investments towards our country to provide more jobs for Filipinos.

Question #4 – How significant is ASEAN in Philippine foreign policy?

Since Philippines is a part of ASEAN, it is significant in our foreign policy because it provides stronger binding within its members that are working together for economic and social development that can help us achieve our goals.