Philippine Foreign Policy Seatwork

Question 1: What is the mandate of the Department of Foreign Affairs in terms of being the principal arm to implement foreign policy? What other institutions help or assist the DFA in realizing foreign policies?

The Department of Foreign Affairs is the agency of government responsible for the attainment of the Philippine foreign policy and the center for a service worthy of the trust and pride of every Filipino. The control of the Department of Foreign Affairs is to assist in post-war rehabilitation, formulate policies for investment promotion, and establish diplomatic relations with other countries. DFA focused on institution building, closer engagement with Asian neighbors, and increasing Philippine global linkages. During the Marcos Regime, the dictator once redefined foreign policy as the safeguarding of territorial integrity and national dignity, and emphasized increased regional cooperation and collaboration. The Department of Foreign Affairs pursued the promotion of trade and investments, played an active role in hosting international meetings, and participated in the meetings of the Non-Aligned Movement.

Other institutions that help assisted the Department of Foreign affairs are Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Trade and Industry, Bureau of Immigration, Commission on Filipinos Overseas, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Commission of Elections, Department of Tourism, National Disaster Coordinating Council, Office of the President, Office of the Press Secretary and Oversees Absentee Voting Secretariat.

Question 2: Enumerate eight foreign policy realities of former president Arroyo. For each 2-3 related news articles and then made an analysis as to what extent did the Arroyo administration work to implement the said realities.

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

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

-The international Islamic community will continue to be more important for the Philippines.

- The coming years will see the growing importance of multi-lateral and inter-regional organization to promote common interests.

- The contries economic policy will continue to be friendly to both domestic and FDI's

- The Philippines can benefit most quicly from international Tourism.

- Overseas Filipino workers will continue to be recognied for their critical role in the countrys economic and social stability.

- 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;

Question 3: With the resistance of different bureaus, institutions as well as interest groups, it is the president that drafts state policies. What do you think will be included in President Noynoy Aquino’s foreign policy list now that he has assumed the presidency? Identify five issues and new clippings (at least one for each issue) to support your answer.

As what President Noynoy Aquino have said, he will lessen the lack of infrastructures for transportation, tourism and trade so that they will hold the companies responsible if problems occurred. From now on he said, mediocre work will not be good enough when it comes to roads, bridges, and buildings because we will hold contractors responsible for maintaining their projects in good condition. He shall strengthen collections by the Bureau of Internal Revenue and we will fight corruption in the Bureau of Customs in order to fund our objectives for the public welfare, such as good quality education, including vocational education, so that those who choose not to attend college or those who cannot afford it can find dignified livelihood an to Improved public health services such as PhilHealth for all within three years. He will strengthen the armed forces and the police, not to serve the interests of those who want to wield power with impunity, but to give added protection for ordinary folk. And lastly, he will strengthen the process of consultation and feedback.

Question 4 : How significant is the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Philippine Foreign Policy?

Knowing that the prime intention of the Philippines in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations are strengthening regional harmony, stability, and prosperity. As a founding member of the ASEAN, the Philippines fully supports the vision for a more united and integrated ASEAN Community, working together towards economic growth, social progress, and cultural development in the region. The government considers the large market of ASEAN as responsive to its economic development; however, it cannot be denied that ASEAN is also becoming more and more an instrument towards the security of the region. Thus, the Philippines shall continue to share intelligence and operational information.