As the Philippines gears up to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026, the Department of Energy (DOE) is taking proactive steps to ensure its personnel are fully equipped for high-level international engagements. Through its Committee on Protocol for the 2026 ASEAN energy-related meetings and fora, the DOE has implemented a comprehensive orientation and training program focused on official diplomatic protocol, engagements, and ceremonial procedures.
The initiative, conducted in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs – Office of the Protocol (DFA-OP), aims to enhance the diplomatic readiness of selected DOE personnel. The training covered essential aspects of diplomatic protocol, including the principles of precedence, ceremonial arrangements, formal titles, and the management of official events.
Participants benefited from real-time insights and hands-on simulation exercises led by DFA Protocol Director O’Myr Faisal Mustafa Abdalla. These practical sessions provided attendees with invaluable skills and situational awareness crucial for navigating high-level diplomatic and ceremonial engagements.
DOE Assistant Secretary Mario C. Marasigan, Chairperson of the Committee on Protocol, underscored the critical importance of professionalism, preparedness, and diplomacy. He emphasized that these qualities are vital for effectively representing the agency both domestically and on the international stage, especially as the Philippines, through the DOE, prepares to assume a leadership role in ASEAN energy cooperation in 2026.
Regional energy cooperation within the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) is facilitated through key bodies such as the ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) and the Senior Officials Meeting on Energy (SOME). The Philippines is represented in these fora by the Secretary of Energy and the designated Philippine Senior Official on Energy (SOE) Leader, respectively.
This capacity-building activity was conducted with the support and coordination of the DOE Human Resource Management Division – Learning and Development Section, reinforcing the Department’s commitment to organizational readiness and diplomatic excellence. The May 28 session marked the second batch of this vital workshop, following the inaugural session on April 21. The DOE plans to schedule additional batches throughout the year to ensure more employees benefit from this critical upskilling effort.
