The University of San Agustin (USA), through its International Relations Office (IRO), proudly partnered with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in hosting the DFA Public Diplomacy Caravan on 27 August 2025 at the USA Auditorium. The initiative provided Augustinian students the opportunity to engage directly with DFA officials on Philippine foreign policy, diplomacy, and pressing international concerns.
The DFA delegation was led by Hon. Arvin R. de Leon, Assistant Secretary of the Office of Public Diplomacy (OPD). It included Office of Policy Planning and Coordination (OPPC) Director Mark Hanzel H. Lao; OPD Principal Assistant Lawrence Anthony R. Bernabe; Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office (MOAO) Principal Assistant, Atty. Ashyanna Alexine Adia Amira-Labi A. Bangcola; and OPD staff members Edwin Juan Batallones and Royce Vann Paul Pantua.
The visit began with a school tour, which included an information session with Philanthropic, External and Alumni Relations (PEAR) Director Mary Anne Durias-Aurelio, followed by a visit to the USA Archives and Museum, where the delegation was welcomed by University Archivist Rev. Fr. Dominador Besares, Jr., OSA, and introduced to the University’s Augustinian heritage and contributions to Philippine education and culture.
During the caravan program, DFA officials presented the Department’s mandate and its role in advancing the Philippines’ interests abroad. Discussions focused on the West Philippine Sea, the Philippines’ independent foreign policy, maritime zones, the 2016 Arbitral Award, and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Adding a cultural highlight to the event, the acclaimed and world-class USA Choir and Troubadours serenaded the delegation and participants with soulful Hiligaynon songs, showcasing the University’s artistic excellence and Augustinian pride.
The DFA also introduced students to career opportunities in diplomacy, highlighting that the Foreign Service Officer Examination and DFA staff positions are open to graduates from all disciplines. An open forum capped the session, with Augustinian students asking about assistance to overseas Filipinos, dual citizenship, the skills needed to become a Foreign Service Officer, balancing international law and national security, and the emerging role of artificial intelligence in diplomacy.
In his welcome remarks, Rev. Fr. Aimark P. Asor, OSA, Vice President for Administration and Finance, linked the Caravan to the University’s patronal feasts: “It is providential that we hold this Caravan on the Feast of Saint Monica and on the eve of the Solemnity of Saint Augustine. Their example of perseverance, wisdom, and service reflects the same values we seek to instill in our students as they prepare to serve the nation and the world.”
In his closing remarks, IRO Director John Paul P. Mondejar emphasized the alignment of Augustinian education with the DFA’s mission: “The Augustinian values of Veritas, Unitas, and Caritas—truth, unity, and charity—shape men and women who are globally competent and deeply rooted in patriotism. The Department of Foreign Affairs embodies these same ideals in its noble mission of representing our country on the world stage. Today’s encounter has not only enriched our academic life but also strengthened our resolve to serve the Philippines with excellence, humility, and unity.”
After the program, the DFA delegation paid a courtesy call on Rev. Fr. Arnel S. Dizon, OSA, University President, joined by IRO Director Mondejar. On this occasion, the DFA also turned over publications on Philippine foreign policy, the history and art of diplomacy, and the West Philippine Sea for the University’s academic resources.
The caravan stands as a meaningful collaboration between the DFA and the University of San Agustin—one that deepened dialogue on diplomacy, nurtured patriotism among the youth, and reaffirmed the University’s mission to form leaders who are globally aware, socially responsible, and firmly rooted in the Augustinian values of Veritas, Unitas, Caritas (Truth, Unity, and Charity). (iro)
