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English
DFA steers country through rough waters
DFA steers country through rough waters
DFA Steers Country Through Rough Waters A Year of Repatriation, Scam Prevention, and Soft Power Diplomacy
As the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reflects on its accomplishments over the past year, it is evident that its efforts have been instrumental in navigating the country through challenging times. From successfully repatriating distressed Filipinos to preventing scams and promoting soft power diplomacy, the DFA has played a vital role in upholding Philippine interests and values.
Repatriation Efforts A Lifeline for Distressed Nationals
One of the DFA's most notable achievements in 2025 was the successful repatriation of over 2,000 Filipinos from areas affected by armed conflict in the Middle East and victims of scam hubs in Southeast Asia. This remarkable effort was made possible through the Assistance to Nationals Fund, which provided critical support to those in need.
Scam Prevention Protecting Filipinos from Online Threats
The DFA has also been at the forefront of preventing scams that target Filipinos, particularly in online love scams. These scams create fake online identities to exploit the vulnerabilities of their would-be victims, especially those who seek romance. To combat this issue, the Philippine Embassy in Myanmar reiterated its advice to Filipino job seekers to be cautious of social media posts advertising vacancies for Customer Service or Chat Support Representatives overseas.
Soft Power Diplomacy Strengthening Relations through Culture and Arts
In addition to repatriation and scam prevention efforts, the DFA has been promoting soft power diplomacy through various initiatives. These include hosting international conferences on women, peace, and security; health security for Pacific Island States; and concerns and development priorities of middle-income countries. The DFA has also established 12 apostille hubs and three apostille receiving centers to facilitate faster processing of apostille documents.
Maritime Dialogues Navigating the West Philippine Sea/South China Sea
The Philippines has held 11 maritime dialogue mechanisms to address overlapping claims in the West Philippine Sea/South China Sea. This effort is part of the country's commitment to upholding its interests in the region, anchored on international law and the 2016 Arbitral Award.
Enhancing Soft Power Showcasing Filipino Culture Worldwide
To further enhance the country's soft power, the DFA has been promoting Philippine studies programs in 33 academic institutions worldwide. This initiative aims to showcase Filipino culture, arts, and heritage to foster mutual understanding and strengthen diplomatic relations.
Challenges Ahead A Commitment to Service and Excellence
As the DFA looks to the future, it is clear that there will be challenges ahead. However, with its core values of patriotism, integrity, professionalism, excellence, and service guiding its efforts, the department is well-equipped to steer the country through any rough waters that may come its way.
Conclusion A Year of Achievements and a Commitment to Service
In conclusion, the DFA's accomplishments in 2025 demonstrate its commitment to upholding Philippine interests and values. From repatriation efforts to scam prevention, soft power diplomacy, maritime dialogues, and enhancing soft power, the department has played a vital role in shaping the country's future. As it looks to the future, the DFA is poised to continue its work with conviction and compassion, guided by its core values and commitment to serving the Filipino people.
Keywords Department of Foreign Affairs, Repatriation, Scam Prevention, Soft Power Diplomacy, Maritime Dialogues, Apostille System, Philippine Studies Programs.
