The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), through its Office of Public Diplomacy (OPD), held the second session of its Media and Information Literacy Program (MILP) titled “Talk with Impact: Strategies for Effective Media Engagement”, aimed at enhancing the communication skills of its personnel.

The seminar, conducted in partnership with the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP), featured seasoned public relations professionals Ma. Luisa ‘Louie’ Sebastian, APR and Deivid Guian Rioferio, APR, alongside veteran broadcast journalist Pia Hontiveros, who led a live media simulation with DFA officers.

Building on the success of the first session, “Truth, Talk, and Tactics: Truth in Focus”, held in August, this latest installment focused on practical strategies for handling press interviews, crafting impactful messages, and fostering productive relationships with media professionals.

In his opening remarks, OPD Assistant Secretary Arvin R. de Leon emphasized the importance of effective communication in public diplomacy, stating, “Our words often carry more than our own voice—they represent the Philippine government.”

Participants from both the DFA Home Office and foreign service posts engaged in interactive exercises, including mock interviews, to apply their learning in real-time scenarios.

The MILP is part of the DFA’s broader initiative to equip its personnel with the tools needed to navigate today’s fast-paced media landscape and uphold the values of truth, transparency, and strategic messaging in support of the country’s foreign policy goals.