With over 40 years of distinguished experience in public service both domestically and abroad, veteran ambassador Monina Estrella Callangan Rueca imparted her expertise on the proper rules and decorum in promoting diplomatic relations to the Pasig City local government units (LGU) officials.
The lecture was made possible through the collaboration between Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto and the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) School of Diplomacy and Governance (SDG).
SDG Dean Gary Ador Dionisio, DPA, shared the initiative was part of the college’s Town and Gown Approach, wherein higher education institutions (HEIs) continue to assist LGUs to capacitate the leaders and build a strong and responsible community.
“The HEIs have a critical role not only to educate its students, but also to establish cooperation and promote innovation with LGUs in the fields training, research, and capacity building,” he furthered.
Rueca, who began her career at the Department of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Manila in 1968 and has served in various foreign posts, the last being Hungary, graciously provided an overview of her book A Guide to Protocol, Social Graces, and Etiquette.
The envoy launched the publication in 2021, which serves as a manual in the procedures of formality and customary that delegates must observe.
Rueca, who is also an educator at the Benilde SDG, discussed the guidelines on ceremonies, business courtesies, organizing and hosting formal social functions, and even appropriate seating arrangements.
To apply the learnings from the discussions, a simulation of activities was conducted such as the Order of Precedence, which highlights the ranking of statesmen who will first enter and leave the room.
They likewise practiced Bilateral Meetings and Signing of Memorandum of Agreements.
Sotto, who is one of Benilde SDG Governance and Public Affairs Program Council of Advisers, likewise attended the seminars and actively participated in the exercises.
Among the participants were executive and administrative officers and staff from the Office of the Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Congressman, Office of the City Administrator, City Planning Development Office, Land Management and Recovery Office, Public Information Office, Ugnayan Sa Pasig, Cultural Affairs and Tourism Office, and Maybunga Rainforest Park.
