1. What is the mandate of the Department of Foreign Affairs in terms of being the principal arm to implement foreign policy?
i) Republic Act No. 7157, otherwise known as "Philippine Foreign Service Act of 1991", gives mandate to the Department of Foreign Affairs to implement the three (3) pillars of the Philippine Foreign Policy, as follows:
a. Preservation and enhancement of national security
b. Promotion and attainment of economic security
c. Protection of the rights and promotion of the welfare and interest of Filipinos overseas
What other institutions help or assist the Department of Foreign Affairs in realizing forieign policies?
Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Department of Labor and Employment, Commission on Filipino Overseas, Bureaus of Labor Relations, Bureau of Local Employment, Department of Tourism, Department of Trade and Industry, Bureau of Rural Workers, Institute for Labor Studies, Bureau of Food and Drugs, and many more.
2. Enumerate the Eight Foreign Policy Realities of former President Arroyo.
A. China, Japan and the United States and their relationship will be a determining influence in the security situation and economic evolution of East Asia.
Article: “U.S. Eyes Review of East Asia Strategic Policy by Year End” 03/10/10
The United States will conduct some review on the East Asia strategic policy to protect itself and their allies from different security threat. It redefines the relationship of US with their allies like Japan which will lead to the reinforcement of their alliances. This article basically talks about the security of all states involved as part of the community of East Asia.
Article: “East Asia Finance Ministers See Asset Price, Inflation Risks” 05/03/10
Finance ministers from East Asian countries cited rising global asset prices and inflationary pressures and sovereign debt risks' possible impact on capital inflow as the key risks facing their economies. The ministers from 10 ASEAN members, China, Japan and South Korea also finalized a plan to set up a US$700 million credit guarantee fund in a big step to help funnel more of the region's massive foreign reserves into the local bond markets. They remain vigilant on the market developments to maintain the consistency and stability of macroeconomic policies and to adopt appropriate exit strategies.
B. Philippine Foreign Policy decision have to be made in the context of ASEAN.
Article: “Philippines’ maritime borders. Manila foreign policy set in context of ASEAN” 06/02/10
Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo said; Philippine foreign-policy decisions should be made in the context of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), highlighting the regional bloc's key engagements with the US, China, and Japan to ensure stable security and economic conditions in the East Asian region. In order to promote common interests, countries will continue to redefine the role of multilateral and interregional organizations amid the continuing global threats such as the nuclear-weapons-enrichment programs of Iran and North Korea.
Article: “Philippines, Japan start JPEPA review” 12/20/09
Philippine and Japanese officials opened their second yearly review of a wide-ranging bilateral economic cooperation pact, to make sure that commitments are met in 2010. Both parties have been generally faithful in liberalizing the trade in goods and services under the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership enforcement in some areas. Both parties have generally "adhered" to their commitments, so far, citing the "smooth" movement of natural persons as an example. Agreement (JPEPA). But both hinted, without elaborating, that there was a need to improve.
C. The international Islamic community will continue to be important for the Philippines
Article: “Philippines/Islam: NCMF consulting Moro communities nationwide” 05/01/10
Jumada Awwal determined to improve services for the constituents of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, NCMF chief Bai Omera Dianalan Lucman said the commission has started a nationwide consultation and dialogue with the Muslim communities, including pilgrims to Makkah, Saudi Arabia. With the operational of the commission and the support of the national leadership, they are optimistic that problems and concerns that were encountered in the past, like certain controversies on the conduct of the hajj, will be effectively addressed to ensure a more comfortable, smooth, orderly and successful program implementation reflective of the government's commitment and sincerity for the development of Muslim communities as active partners in the common quest for economic growth and development.
Article: “MILF sees no breakthrough in talks with government” 04/21/10
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) expressed pessimism that a breakthrough would be achieved in their latest talks with the Philippine Government in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Jun Mantawil, head of the MILF peace panel secretariat, said the discussion of the agenda went well and the controversial two drafts on the interim arrangement were also deliberated. The latest round of talks aimed at resolving the differences in their drafts on the proposed interim agreement on transitional mechanism on governance.
D. The coming years will see the growing importance of multilateral and inter-regional organizations to promote common interests
Article: “Philippines calls on UN to help poorer countries fight soaring food, fuel prices” 09/23/08
The developing world is at a “tipping point” due to fluctuations in the global economy, the President of the Philippines told the General Assembly today, calling on the United Nations for its assistance in ensuring that financial uncertainties do not roll back development gains. The Philippines has made “hard-earned” gains over the past seven years that have allowed the South-East Asian nation to weather the first tide of global price surges that swept across the world earlier this year, but the recent economic turmoil in world markets has had a profound impact. “To address these global challenges, we must go on building bridges among allies around the world: to bring the [price of] rice to where it is needed to feed the people, investments to create jobs; and keep the peace and stability in the world,” she (PGMA) stated. The President praised Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for taking swift and decisive measures to address the global food crisis that brings together multilateral organizations, donor countries, civil society and the private sector.
E. 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;
Article: “Official Press Release of the Department of Foreign Affairs, REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES-International Court Denies Philippine Intervention, But Assures RP on Sabah"
To protect its interest in Sabah, the Philippine government in March this year, went to the International Court to seek permission to intervene in the on-going dispute between Indonesia and Malaysia. The Philippine legal team, headed by DFA Undersecretary, Merlin M. Magallona, argued the Philippine position last June in the International Court in the Hague.
Article: “DepEd curriculum for environment proposed” 01/18/08
The Philippines would do well to incorporate an environmental awareness subject in grade school to raise citizens’ awareness in environmental protection and conservation. The school system has to be actively involved in this. Resource stewardship and consumption must be understood by every individual regardless of economic income. They all need to recognize the impact of their choices. It’s easier for the affluent to understand that but for those in subsistence community it’s not going to be that easy.
F. The country's economic policy will continue to be friendly to both domestic and foreign direct investments;
Article: “Focus on Domestic Market” 06/27/10
Our exporters are understandably happy about the strong rebound in exports in the first five months of the year. The only fly on the ointment is the strengthening peso. Many of them are saying that the nascent recovery can be aborted if many of our small exporters close down because of the appreciation of our currency. Of course, another threat is the return of stagnation in the global market in 2011 if the US, Germany and other advanced economies suffer a double-dip recession.
Article: “Philippines coping well in the global economic crisis, say analysts” 07/15/09
"The Philippines has progressively reduced tariff levels and eliminated non-tariff measures. Notable improvements were achieved in standards and conformance, customs rules and regulations, and the mobility of business people. Various structural policy reforms have supported enhanced domestic competition, the growth of the market economy and private sector development." The report concludes that while there remain some challenges to achieving goals in services and investment, there is generally strong evidence of commitment.
G. The Philippines can benefit most quickly from international tourism
Article: “PHILIPPINES: Philippines seeks international investors for medical tourism” 04/28/10
The Philippines Department of Tourism (DoT) is urging British businessmen to invest in Philippine tourism, citing the many advantages offered by the country, such as increased government incentives and the opportunities arising from medical tourism. The DoT has pitched to property developers, and travel and tourism companies. Tourism Secretary, Ace Durano says, “With a long established mutual relation with the British stakeholders, we are now focusing on expansion and exploration into other forays of tourism investment which is a priority category for foreign investments in the Philippines.”
Article: “Euromonitor forecasts better 2010 tourism prospects” 11/22/09
The Philippine tourism industry anticipates a much brighter 2010 now that the global outlook for tourism slowly becomes encouraging. “Throughout the global crunch, Philippine tourism remained optimistic and adaptive to the challenges. Being a key driver for economic growth in the country, the tourism industry continues to carry a positive outlook. In spite of the difficulties, the sector continued to be strong because the over-all focus is on opportunities instead of the threats.
H. Overseas Filipinos will continue to be recognized for their critical role in the country's economic and social stability
Article: “RETURNING Overseas Filipino Worker (OFWs) SAVE DAY FOR ECONOMY ANEW – ARROYO” 12/11/03
Dollar remittances from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have again saved the day for the peso. The seasonal homecoming of tens of thousands of OFWs for Christmas with their families and the greenbacks they brought with them have helped the peso recover from its tailspin over the past weeks. The peso is now trading at an average of 55.20 to $1. President Arroyo said the Palace is "preparing a grand welcome" for returning OFWs over the holidays to honor them as the country's modern-day heroes. It's during the holiday season that we truly appreciate the meaningful contribution of our OFWs to our economy, as well as the joy they bring their families.
Article: “Philippines honors OFWs on Migrant Workers Day” 06/08/09
The Philippines paid tribute on Sunday to its estimated eight million overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) for their contributions, not only to the economy but also for their skills and talents that have provided the engines of growth and progress in their host countries.
3. With the assistance 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?
Rebuild international image by representing the country in the international arena. Promote domestic markets. Eradicate corruption that would attract foreign investments and consequently provide more jobs. Encourage free and fair competition in a level playing field. Rationalize fiscal incentives. Increase the country’s access to formal activities of other countries. Strengthen the international relations. Provide more jobs in order to help Filipinos have better livelihood and improve the conditions of the OFW (Overseas Filipino Workers).
Identify five issues and find news clippings to support your answer.
a. “With Noynoy in office, what's in store for the Philippines? “ 06/09/10 (http://blog.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2010/06/09/with_noynoy_in_office_whats_in_store_for_the_philippines)
b. “Noynoy to face corruption, power interests” 05/19/10
(http://ph.politicalarena.com/presidential-elections/news/noynoy-to-face-corruption-power-interests)
c. “The face of a Noynoy Administration for Mindanao” 05/23/10
(http://blogs.gmanews.tv/jun-mercado/archives/73-The-face-of-a-Noynoy-Administration-for-Mindanao.html)
d. “New challenge to Noynoy” 06/18/10
(http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/letterstotheeditor/view/20100618-276361/New-challenge-to-Noynoy)
e. “Noynoy on TIME article: ‘Good news on RP a challenge” 04/18/10
(http://www.gmanews.tv/story/188736/noynoy-on-time-article-good-news-on-rp-a-challenge)
4. How significant is the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Philippine Foreign Policy?
The aims of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), to accelerate the economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region through joint endeavours in the spirit of equality and partnership in order to strengthen the foundation for a prosperous and peaceful community of Southeast Asian Nations; to promote regional peace and stability through abiding respect for justice and the rule of law in the relationship among countries of the region and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter; to promote active collaboration and mutual assistance on matters of common interest in the economic, social, cultural, technical, scientific and administrative fields; to provide assistance to each other in the form of training and research facilities in the educational, professional, technical and administrative spheres; to collaborate more effectively for the greater utilisation of their agriculture and industries, the expansion of their trade, including the study of the problems of international commodity trade, the improvement of their transportation and communications facilities and the raising of the living standards of their peoples; to promote Southeast Asian studies; and to maintain close and beneficial cooperation with existing international and regional organizations with similar aims and purposes, and explore all avenues for even closer cooperation among themselves, have helped the Philippines to developed its foreign policy in relation with its other members as part of this international organization. Together with the ASEAN goals, it helps strengthen the internal capabilities of the Philippines, rethink of strategic planning and processes, allows active participation in multilateral efforts, redefines the policies being implemented by the country, provides comprehensive security as a defense to maintain peace and stability needed and develops closer communication linkage among different institutions.
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