Representatives of Diplomatic League member-schools and observer-schools take a pose during the 1st Philippine Foreign Policy Recommendation Summit.
By Michaela Suzon
The Ateneo Diplomatic Corps (ADC), the co-curricular organization of XU’s International Studies students, participated in various events of the Diplomatic League held from April 1-5 at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Manila.
XU is the only school from Mindanao and the first outside Luzon to become a member of the Diplomatic League.
Part of the activities was the presentation of Philippine Foreign Policy Recommendations by member schools. For XU, ADC Chargé d'affaires Devin Cabatingan presented foreign policy recommendations for the DFA Mindanao Extension Unit.
Students also participated in the Diplomatic Ball which was graced by ambassadors from Latin American countries, Brazil, Panama, Argentina, Mexico, Peru and Venezuela.
Guests and the Latin American Embassies Ambassadors with the Brazilian Dancers
Moreover, the Diplomatic League held the 1st Model United Nations Academy (MUNA) with the theme, “Redefining Model United Nations practice in the Philippines.” Students Jayve Ritardo, Michaela Suzon, Ted Lago and Devin Cabatingan actively participated in the simulation of the United Nations General Assembly.
DFA Assistant Secretary Jesus Domingo emphasized that such activity is vital in the field of International Studies/Relations and should be practiced by schools.
Ambassadors, leaders and policy makers with different specializations graced MUNA and motivated participants to strive harder. “Diplomats do not stop. They always push the limits and possibilities,” encouraged Ambassador Libran Cabactulan, permanent representative of the Philippines to the United Nations.