MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / May 27, 2013) – The Department of Foreign Affairs has announced the launching of its official Facebook page – Department of Foreign Affairs Republic of the Philippines in an effort to bring it closer to the public and to better reach those who are mobile and technology-savvy.
It said the social media page is in line with the pursuit of being more proactive in its public diplomacy efforts, including engaging a wider range of audience through the use of a trusted and highly popular social networking service such as Facebook.
The new official page will provide information on the three pillars of Philippine foreign policy, specifically information and announcements from the Department, its Embassies, Consulates and Missions, and news, photos and video clips of DFA programs, projects, and activities.
“The DFA Facebook page is one of the projects programmed under the DFA Strategic Plan in order to advance the Department’s public diplomacy thrusts. We acknowledge that the social media is a powerful communication tool and through Facebook we hope to build stronger relationships with Facebook users and fans and encourage more people to become fans through interactions,” DFA Spokesperson Raul Hernandez said in a statement sent to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.
“We created it to allow the general public to easily find DFA-related information through a medium that can be easily accessed, wherever they are,” he said.
The Filipino public will now have easy access to vital information such as consular and Assistance to Nationals services, news, and even public advisories.
Last year, the DFA also set up its official Twitter account (@dfaspokesperson), which features links to media releases, announcements and other updates that may be useful to the general public.
The Facebook page is also an extended media platform as the DFA has already set up its official website (www.dfa.gov.ph).
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