1.) What is the mandate of the Department of Foreign Affairs in terms of being the principal arm to implement foreign policy? What other institutions help/assist the DFA in realising foreign policies?

It is the responsibility of the Department of Foreign Affairs to advise and assist the Presidetn when he/she plans, organizes, directs, coordinated and evaluates the enfite effort when it comes to foreign relations. The Philippine Foreign Service Act of 1991 states that the Department of Foreign Affairs should implement the three pillars of Philippine Foreign Policy which are the following:
- Preservation and enhancement of national security
- Promotion and attainment of economic security and;
- Protection of the rights and promotion of the welfare and interest of Filipinos overseas.

The DFA implements the said mandate with the help of the other institutions such as:
1. Department of National Defense (DND)under which are the Armed Forces of the Philippines(Philippine Army, Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force, Philippine Marine Corps), the Office of Civil Defense and the National Disaster Coordinating Council
2. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
3. National Economic Development Agency (NEDA)
4. Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA)
5. Commission on Filipino Overseas (CFO)
6. Overseas Workers Welfare Administration
7. Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs (OUMWA)
8. National Reintegration Center for Overseas Filipino Workers (NRCO)

2.)Enumerate the eight foreign policy realities of former President Arroyo. For each reality, find 2-3 related news articles then make an analysis as to what extent did the Arroyo administration work to implement the said realities.

- China, Japan and U.S and their relationship will be a determining influence in the security situation and economic evolution of East Asia.

Article Link: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE62605720100307

- Philippine Foreign Policy decisions have to be made in the context of ASEAN.

Article Link: http://www.apdip.net/news/phfossact

- The International Islamic Community will continue to be important for the Philippines.

Article Link: http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71355.htm

- The coming years will see the growing importance of multilateral and inter-regional organizations to promote common interest.

Article Link: http://mail.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&sec=reader&rp=1&fi=p070613.htm&no=10&date=

- 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 Link: http://www.inquirer.net/specialfeatures/spratlys/view.php?db=1&article=20080311-124157

- The country's economic policy will continue to be friendly to both domestic and foreign direct investments

Article Link: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/02/16/10/foreign-investors-shunning-philippines-experts

- The Philippines can benefit most quickly from international tourism

Article Link: http://www.congress.gov.ph/download/cpbd/03-Tourism.pdf

- Overseas Filipinos will continue to be recognized for their critical role in the country's economic and social stability.

Article Link: http://aaronautics.wordpress.com/2009/06/01/the-plight-of-overseas-filipino-workers-and-the-government%E2%80%99s-role-as-manager-of-its-citizens%E2%80%99-affairs/

Analysis:

Having read different articles which are mostly made recently, if given a chance to rate the Arroyo Administration when it comes to the implementation of foreign policies, I would give her a 5 (10 as the highest). Yes, there are articles that praise the former president for having done her job as the "chief diplomat" of the country but unfortunately, most articles would say that the administration lacked effort in implementing the 8 realities. The 8 foreign policies would be great for the country only if it is properly given attention and is implemented. In the article under the investments (local and foreign), the writer concluded that there was a decrease in the foreign direct investments of the Philippines during PGMA's time, a strong manifestation that there were no strict implementations. I rated it as 5 because even though the Arroyo administration tried to have an effective foreign policy, there's a lot to improve especially in implementing the said policies. The administration for me, was not able to reach the expectations of its citizens when it comes to the foreign policies.

3.) With the assistance of different bureaus, institutions as well as interest groups, it is the president that drafts the state policies. What do you think will be included in PNOY's foreign policy list now that he has assumed the presidency? identify five issues and find news clippings (at least one for each issue) to support your answer.

As of PNOY's inaugural speech, he mentioned mostly internal problems. Fortunately, he was able to address the concerns of our overseas workers and migrants. He also made mention about our relationship with other countries. Those were the ones mentioned during his speech. He said that employment in the country will be one of his priorities.

4.) How significant is the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the Philippines?

Considering that the Philippines is one of the founders of ASEAN and knowing that the country believes in regional cooperation, the ASEAN will mostly be one of the important considerations when plotting the foreign policy. As indicated also in one of the eight realities, Philippine Foreign Policy have to be made in the context of ASEAN.