the.makings.of.an ILLUSTRADOS

My graduation has been a memorable one since my close friends are there. But that is not what we are going to talk about.

After the elementary graduation.

My mom asked me, “What do you want to be?”

I answered, ” I want to be a lawyer. A good lawyer.”

LAWYER.

I always wanted to be a lawyer. I want to experience the sleepless night before the court battle, i want to do some thinkings and win a case, i want to be rich. You know, I can be an election lawyer and be rich in an instant. Or somehow, overprice my clients to be rich. I think my first reason about being a lawyer is because i love to talk. i love debates. So, its basically applicable to court battles, diba?

And my commencement exercise in high school was just finished.

My father asked me, “What do you want to take in college?”

I told him that I want to take up History in college. He was shocked about that. He didn’t expect me to answer such thing. it’s very weird for him. Philippines is one of the countries who don’t offer much courses in history. In Harvard, degree course for history is considered honor course because high number of applicants choose history. But here, its like, what the hell are you taking? History? OMG.

My father asked me again, “What job will you get with that course?”

I answered him, “Pa, I want to be an FSO.”

FOREIGN SERVICE OFFICER.

DUTIES OF A FOREIGN SERVICE OFFICER
The duties of a Foreign Service Officer include: gathering information, analyzing and reporting political, economic, technological, cultural and other events and developments; drafting diplomatic notes and other forms of diplomatic correspondence; preparing briefing papers and other foreign policy papers for the Department and other offices of government as may be required; assisting in the preparation and conduct of international conferences; managing and supervising staff; disseminating information; working with other government agencies and private groups and individuals in promoting Philippine interests abroad; undertaking negotiations; assisting Filipinos abroad and protecting their rights; promoting Philippine culture and trade; bringing in foreign investments and tourism to the Philippines; performing consular functions; and representing the Philippines in various international fora.

HOW TO BE ONE?

The FSO Written Examination covers the following six subjects with the corresponding
weights:
1. English 20%
2. Filipino 5%
3. Philippine Political, Economic, Social and Cultural Conditions 30%
4. International Affairs 20%
5. World History 20%
6. Foreign Language 5%

The Oral Examination shall be held in Manila after the results of the Written Examination shall have been determined. The Oral Examination shall include an assessment of the candidate’s oral skills, logical thinking, values and attitude. Previous records and experiences shall also be considered in determining the candidate’s fitness and aptitude for foreign service work. To be eligible for appointment as FSO IV, candidates must receive a score of not less than 80% in the oral examination and pass the Psychological Test.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
Applicants shall meet the following requirements:
1. Age Limit – Applicants shall be less than thirty-six (36) years of age on 31 December 2008.
The maximum age limit, however, does not apply to those who have been employed in the
Department of Foreign Affairs for at least two years prior to the date of the FSO Written
Examination and who meet the other qualifications required of candidates for the examination.
2. Education – Applicants shall have at least graduated from a four (4) year bachelor’s degree
course or it’s equivalent, and shall present the transcript of records and diploma, certificate of
graduation or its equivalent from a college or university of recognized standing.
3. Citizenship – Applicants shall be Filipino citizens. Pursuant to Republic Act No. 9225 and its
Implementing Rules and Regulations, those who pass the FSO Examinations, with more than
one citizenship, shall subscribe and swear to an oath of allegiance to the Republic of the
Philippines and its duly constituted authorities, and renounce their oath of allegiance to any
other country, prior to assumption of office.