TESDA Circular No. 042-2022

TESDA CIRCULAR
SUBJECT: Guidelines on Protocols on Events, Page 1 of 38

Ceremonies and Programs in TESDA No. '3'11 series of 2022
Date: Effectivity: Supersedes:
June 16, 2022 As indicated
In the interest of the service and to provide standards and procedures to be

followed during the conduct of events, ceremonies and programs, the guidelines is
hereby issued, consistent with the following references:
a. TESDA Circular No. 038 dated 15 June 2022 with subject: Approved TESDA
Board Resolution No. 2022-13 and 2022-14;
b. RA 8491 otherwise known as "An Act Prescribing the Code of the National
Flag, Anthem, Motto, Coat-Of-Arms and Other Heraldic Items and Devices of
the Philippines";
c. Office of the President (OP) Memorandum Circular No. 16 series of 2017
regarding Request for Authorization to Negotiate and Sign International
Agreements, and Agreements Covering Borrowing, Guarantees, and Foreign
Grants;
d. Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Handbook on Protocol, Social Graces and
Etiquette; and
e. Memorandum No. 151, series of 2019 with subject: Protocol for the conduct of
TESDA Activities.
I. BACKGROUND/RATIONALE
Protocol for the government agencies is a code of traditional precedence, courtesy

and etiquette in matters of official, diplomatic, and celebratory ceremonies. Protocol
encompasses the knowledge, accumulation and application of established customs.
TESDA usually hosts International and Local Meetings/Conferences, and other

official events and functions, including but not limited to, traditional flag ceremonies,
anniversary celebrations, turn over ceremonies, symposia, visits by distinguished
persons, contract signings, and the like. A standard protocol on said events must be
established to serve as guide for the event host or the Office Primary Responsible (OPR).
II. OBJECTIVES
This Guidelines and Protocol on Official Events, Ceremonies and Programs in

TESDA aims to provide the Authority guidance with proper behavior in social situations
compatible with accepted practice. It only seeks comity and orderliness.
III. SCOPE AND COVERAGE
These guidelines apply in the conduct of official events, ceremonies and program
in the Central Office, Regional, Provincial, District Offices and Training Institutions.
(COROPOTIs).
This standard protocol for official events and functions is mandated to be followed
as a fixed procedure for completing a task for hosting/organizing events.
TESDA CIRCULAR
Ceremonies and Programs in TESDA No. 0 42 series of 2022
IV. GUIDELINES
To provide standard procedures in conducting the Agency's events and activities,

the following protocols shall be observed:
1. The National Flag, Anthem, Coat-of-Arms and other Heraldic Items of the
Philippines
The Philippine Flag and Anthem, motto, coat of arms and other heraldic items are
national symbols "which embody the national ideals and traditions, and which express
the principles of sovereignty and national solidarity; they seek to manifest the national
virtues and inculcate in the minds and hearts of our people a just pride in their native
land." Thus, utmost reverence and respect should be accorded to these symbols.
Republic Act 8491, or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, prescribes how
these national symbols should be properly treated.
a. Protocol of the National Flag
The use and care of the flag of the Philippines shall reflect deep respect for the
national emblem. Every precaution shall be exercised in its handling. The
following rules shall be observed:
a.1. The flag shall be displayed only from sunrise to sunset. It shall always be
hoisted briskly and lowered slowly and ceremoniously. It should not be flown
when the weather is inclement.
a.2. When flown at half-mast, the flag shall be first hoisted to the peak for a
moment and then lowered to the half-mast position. The flag shall again be
raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day.
a.3. The flag shall be hung horizontally or vertically. When hung horizontally,
the blue field should be placed at the peak of the pole unless the flag is at half-
mast. In times of war in which the Philippines is involved, the red field is placed
topmost. When hung vertically, the equilateral triangle is on top, the blue field
should be to the left and the red field to the right of the viewer facing the flag.
TESDA CIRCULAR
Ceremonies and Programs in TESDA No. 042 series of 2022
simmommilm How to properly display the Philippine flag immimmmoll
Times of Peace Times of War Times of Peace Times of War
If the flag is displayed on a flagpole If the flag is hanging vertically, the sun
it shall have the blue field on top in and stars should be on top while the
times of peace and the red field on blue field should be on the left in times
top in times of war. of peace and on the right in times of war.
(In times of peace, red is right.i
Based on the rules and regulations implementing RA 8491

PCDSPO/GOVPH
a.4. When used on a speaker's platform, the flag shall be displayed above and
behind the speaker, never on the front of the platform. If flown from a pole, it
shall be on the speaker's right.
a.5. When Philippine and foreign flags are displayed on flag poles, the poles
shall be of the same height with the Philippine flag on the left as the group is
viewed.
a.6. When displayed in a row of house flags or in a parade with flags of other
countries, the National Flag shall be in front of the center of the line or on the
left (observer's point of view) of the row. The house flags should be arranged
in alphabetical order, by precedence or by protocol order from left to right (the
observer's point of view).
a.7. No flag or pennant shall ever be flown above the Philippine flag.
a.8. The flag shall never be dipped to any person or object.
a.9. The flag shall not touch the ground. At the moment of unveiling a statue
or monument, it shall be carried aloft.
a.10. The flag shall never be used to cover a desk or a table, or as covering
for a ceiling, or as a receptacle, or as drapery of any sort whatsoever.
TESDA CIRCULAR
a.11. The flag shall never be draped over the head, top, or other part of a
vehicle. When the flag is displayed on a motorcar, the staff shall be affixed
firmly to the right fender such that the flag shall not touch the body of the car.
a.12. When used to cover a casket, the flag shall be so placed that the
equilateral triangle with the sun and the stars is at the head, with the blue field
to the right, and the red field to the left of the deceased.
a.13. The colors shall never be draped with black crepe except when the
President of the Philippines declares a national mourning.
a.14. The flag shall not be loaned except for official or community ceremonial
purposes.
a.15. When the flag is in such a condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem
for display, it shall be completely destroyed-preferably by burning.
a.16. The likeness of the Philippine flag shall never be embroidered or painted
on wearing apparel and advertising materials.
a.17. The TESDA Flag should be displayed together with the Philippine Flag.
The former should be at the left side of the latter facing the audience. In cases
where there are other flags from other countries such as Japan, such flag
should likewise be placed at the left side of the Philippine flag (facing
audience), while the TESDA Flag is placed at the other end of the stage. No
flag shall be higher than the Philippine Flag. Moreover, the Flag should not be
held while singing the Lupang Hinirang, as the Flag symbolizes independence,
and as such, should stand alone.
b. Salute to the Flag
b.1. During the Ceremony of hoisting or lowering of the flag or when the flag is
passing in a parade or in a review, everyone shall face the flag and stand at
attention. Men shall remove their hats or headdresses with the right hand and
hold them at the left breast. Women place the right hand over the heart. In this
manner, salute to the flag in moving column is rendered at the moment the flag
passes. When the national anthem is played, the same manner of saluting the
flag is to be observed. When no flag is displayed, all shall face the musicians.
2. Flag Ceremony
a. The observance of the flag ceremony in official or civic gatherings shall be

simple and dignified and shall include the playing or singing of the anthem in
its original Filipino lyrics and march tempo.
TESDA CIRCULAR
Ceremonies and Programs in TESDA No. 04 2 series of 2022
b. During the flag-raising ceremony, the assembly shall stand in formation

racing the flag.
c. The assembly shall sing the Philippine national anthem, accompanied by a

band, if available and at the first note, the flag shall be raised briskly. Same
procedure shall be observed when the flag is passing in review or in parade.
d. During the flag lowering, the flag shall be lowered solemnly and slowly so
that the flag shall be down the mast at the sound of the last note of the
anthem. Those in the assembly shall observe the same deportment or shall
observe the same behavior as for the flag-raising ceremony.
e. In the Observance/Conduct of Flag Raising Ceremonies and Proper

Sequence in Official TESDA Programs involving the singing of the Philippine
National Anthem:
e.1. Flag Raising Ceremonies
• All officials and employees from the Central, Regional Office,

Provincial Office and Training Institutions (COROPOTI), are required
to follow the sequence of the Flag Raising Ceremonies as indicated:
PART 1
■ Interfaith Prayers;
■ Singing of Lupang Hinirang;
■ Recitation of Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Watawat ng Pilipinas;
■ Recitation of Panunumpa ng Lingkod Bayan;
■ Recitation of TESDA Vision, Mission, Value Statement and
Quality Policy; and
■ Recitation of TESDA Integrity Pledge.
PART 2
■ Oath Taking of Newly Appointed Personnel
■ Message of the TESDA Secretary;
■ TESDA Hymn.
3. The Philippine National Anthem
a. The National Anthem, Lupang Hinirang, shall always be sung in the national
language within or outside the country with the indicated lyrics:
TESDA CIRCULAR
Ceremonies and Programs in TESDA No. O'12 series of 2022
LUPANG HINIRANG
Bayang magiliw
Perlas ng Silanganan
Alab ng puso
Sa dibdib mo'y buhay
Lupang Hinirang
Duyan ka ng magiting
Sa manlulupig
'Di ka pasisiil
Sa dagat at bundok
Sa simoy at sa langit mong bughaw
May dilag ang tula
At awit sa paglayang minamahal
Ang kislap ng watawat mo'y
Tagumpay na nagniningning
Ang bituin at araw niya
Kailan pa ma'y 'di magdidilim
Lupa ng araw ng luwalhati't pagsinta
Buhay ay langit sa piling mo
Aming ligaya na 'pag may mang-aapi
Ang mamatay ng dahil sa iyo
b. The rendition of the National Anthem, whether played or sung, shall be in

accordance with the musical arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe.
c. When the National Anthem is played at a public gathering, whether by a

band or by singing or both, or reproduced by any means, the attending
public shall sing the anthem. The singing must be done with fervor.
d. As a sign of respect, all persons shall stand at attention and face the
Philippine flag, if there is one displayed, and if there is none, they shall face
the band or the conductor. At the first note, all persons shall execute a
salute by placing their right palms over their left chests. The salute shall be
completed upon the last note of the anthem.
e. The anthem shall not be played or sung for mere recreation, amusement
or entertainment purposes except on the following occasions:
o International competitions where the Philippines is the host or has a

representative;
o Local competitions;
TESDA CIRCULAR
Ceremonies and Programs in TESDA No. "Z series of 2022
During the "signing off' and "signing on" of radio broadcasting and
television stations;
o Before the initial and last screening of films and before the opening of
theater performances; and
o Other occasions as may be allowed by the National Historical Institute.
f. The National Anthem shall be played only once in a day in an institution or

a camp, there is no need to play it all over again. For instance, the anthem
was played in the morning during the Flag Raising Ceremony, the host may
defer the mass singing of it in the next activity.
4. Pledge to the Flag
a. The following shall be the Pledge of Allegiance to the Philippine Flag

based on Executive Order No. 343 series of 1996):
PANUNUMPA SA WATAWAT NG PILIPINAS
Ako ay Pilipino
Buong katapatang nanunumpa
Sa watawat ng Pilipinas
At sa bansang kanyang sinasagisag
Na may dangal, katarungan at kalayaan
Na pinakikilos ng sambayanang
Maka-Diyos, Maka-kalikasan,
Maka-tao at Maka-bansa.
b. Such pledge shall be recited while standing with the right hand with palm
open raised shoulder high. Individuals whose faith or religious beliefs
prohibit them from making such pledge must nonetheless show full
respect when the pledge is being rendered by standing at attention.
c. Pursuant to CSC Resolution No. 2100907, the Civil Service

Commission through CSC Memorandum Circular No. 15 dated 11
November 2021 is introducing the new Panunumpa ng Lingkod
Bayan to be recited by all government workers during flag raising
ceremonies. The full text of the oath is indicated on the next page:
TESDA CIRCULAR
Ceremonies and Programs in TESDA No. °Lii series of 2022
PANUNUMPA NG LINGKOD
Ako ay isang Iingkod bayan.

Pangangalagaan ko ang tiwalang ipinagkaloob ng mamamayan.
Maglilingkod ako nang may malasakit, katapatan, at kahusayan na walang
kinikilingan.
Magiging mabuting halimbawa ako, at magbibigay ng pag-asa at
inspirasyon sa aking kapwa Iingkod bayan.
Lilinangin ko ang aking sariling kakayahan upang sa lahat ng panahon ay
mapaglingkuran ko nang buong kahusayan ang sambayanan.
Hindi ako makikibahagi sa mga katiwalian sa pamahalaan.
Pipigilan at isisiwalat ko ito sa pamamagitan ng tama at angkop na
pamamaraan.
Isasabuhay ko ang isang Iingkod bayang maka-Diyos, maka-tao,
makakalikasan at makabansa.
Tutugon ako sa mga hamon ng makabagong panahon tungo sa adhikain
ng matatag, maginhawa, at panatag na buhay.
Sa mga tungkulin at hangaring ito, kasihan nawa ako ng Maykapal.
5. TESDA Logo and Hymn
TESDA
• 1994 •
TESDA CIRCULAR
Ceremonies and Programs in TESDA No. °4Z series of 2022
a. Logo
a.1. Y-SHAPED LINE 1. These represent the three (3) major

pillars of Technical-Vocational Education and Training system -
the Government - the Industry and the - Private Training
*
Institutions.
a.2. It also symbolizes the open raised arms of the Filipino

workers taking on the challenges in life and aiming to be
successful and happy in their chosen vocation.
a.3. Circle Above Y-Shaped Line This represent the Filipino

skilled workers, the core purpose for the creation of TESDA.
a.4. Segmented Cogwheel The classic rotary wheel means

industrial progress powered through focused manpower
development all throughout the nation, covering all regions of
the country - Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
a.5. Acronym "TESDA" Proudly states the acronym of TESDA,

The respected and worldwide known manpower skills
developing agency - The Technical Education and Skills
TESDA Development Authority. A common word "TESDA" is nationally
recognized national government agency which provides
relevant, accessible, high quality and efficient technical
education and skills development. TESDA is has been awarded
as the 2nd most trusted and most approved government agency
for two consecutive years due to its programs that promotes
global competitiveness and TVET for social equity via TESDA
Abot Lahat and TESDAmayan projects and activities.
• 1994 • a.6. 1994 - Foundation year of the Technical Education and Skills
Development Authority.
Text is flanked on both sides by dots.
The left dot represents the termination of the National

Manpower and Youth Council as a government entity, while the
right dot to the right represents the beginning of TESDA.
TESDA CIRCULAR
Ceremonies and Programs in TESDA No. °LIZ series of 2022
BLUE HEX: #0000ff a.7. Blue color symbolizes peace, truth, and justice; and Stands
RGB. 0, 0, 225 CMYK 00,100, 0, 0 for the highly qualified Blue-Collar Workers TESDA is
producing.
PROPOSED LOGO COLOR
BLUE
RGB: 0,0,225 CMYK: 100,100,0,0
b. Hymn
b.1. Official TESDA Hymn music or AVP lyrics by Mr. Virgilio Guillermo
(former TESDAn) shall be played at the end of every official event, function
and ceremony hosted by the Authority or any of its office. The official Audio-
Visual Presentation (AVP) may also be played on said occasion/s as
necessary.
6. Turn-Over Office Ceremony
a. The relinquishment and assumption of office or key position is publicly

announced in a Turnover Ceremony by the outgoing and incoming official
or office head in the presence of the immediate superior or his
representative. Outgoing Head of Office/Director should not leave his post
without proper turnover. Turnover includes turnover of
properties/equipment, human and material resources with full
documentation.
b. The chronological instruction flow of the program listed below should be

strictly followed:
■ Invocation
■ Singing of Philippine National Anthem
■ Welcome / Opening Remarks (to be delivered by the appropriate

officer/s from the Host office)
■ Reading of Relief and Designation Order
■ Message of the Outgoing Official
■ AVP on the Accomplishment of Outgoing Officer and Transition Report
■ Ceremonial turnover of office symbol, which is the Office Flag.

TESDA CIRCULAR
Ceremonies and Programs in TESDA No. °i n- series of 2022
The flag is preferred over symbolic key because the flag represents
leadership, as it will remind the official of his commitment since the flag
is placed in his office or at any conspicuous place of the office
compound. The three officials stand in front of the presidential table.
■ Outgoing official will pass the Office Flag to the presiding officer (usually
the Top Management of TESDA). He may say, now turnover this Flag,
the symbol of authority as manager of region/project. "Thank you, Sir,
for the opportunity to serve the region/project"
■ Presiding officer will hand over the Office Flag to the incoming official.
The incoming official may say, "Sir, with this symbol, I now accept with
honor the duties and responsibilities as manager of the region / project -.
(NOTE: Before the turnover of the Office Flag, the outgoing official is
seated at the right side of the presiding officer while the incoming official
is seated at the left side. After the turnover of the flag, the incoming
should be seated at the right side of the presiding officer. Documents to
be turned over includes Financial Statement, Cash Balances, Personnel
Inventory, List of Projects, current and carry over, including its status.
■ Turnover of various documents from the outgoing to the incoming official.

A short turnover and acceptance message shall be delivered by the
outgoing and incoming official as they turn over the documents.
■ Message of the Incoming Official
■ Speech of the Presiding Officer. In case a token will be presented to the

presiding officer, this can be done after his speech.
■ Awarding of Plaque of Appreciation to the Outgoing Official as well as

giving of tokens/gift, if any. The Outgoing Official and the Presiding
Officer should stand in front of the presidential table. Tokens given by
certain individuals/groups/agencies should be presented by them.
■ Optional: Message of the Presiding Officer (DG/RD)
■ Mass Singing of "TESDA Hymn".
c. Program Sequence of Turnover of Office Ceremony

• Invocation
• Singing of Philippine National Anthem
• Welcome/Opening Remarks (to be delivered by the appropriate
officer/s from the Host office)
• Reading of Relief and Designation Order
• Message of the Outgoing Official
TESDA CIRCULAR
Ceremonies and Programs in TESDA No. 042. series of 2022
• AVP on the Accomplishment of Outgoing Official and Transition

Report
• Ceremonial turnover of office symbol, which is the Office Flag
• Message of the Incoming Official
• Awarding of Plaque of Appreciation to the Outgoing Official
• Optional: Message of the Presiding Officer (DG/RD)
• Mass Singing of "TESDA Hymn".
7. Groundbreaking, Inauguration, and Turnover of Projects
a. See to it that the venue like the stage, site of the groundbreaking
ceremony/inauguration is well prepared.
b. The materials needed for the groundbreaking such as shovel, time capsule,
plans/design of the project that will be encapsulated, should be in place
ahead of the start of the program.
c. Turnover documents in the case of project turnover should likewise be

prepared and a staff should be assigned to handle the said documents.
d. This is usually emcee-driven so every step of the event can be

annotated/announced by the emcee. Listed is the program flow for the
indicated purpose:
o Groundbreaking Ceremony
• Invocation
National Anthem
• Recognition of Attendees/Donors/Personalities (optional)
• Welcome Remarks
• Overview of the Project — (Administrator/RD/PD)
• Message from Speakers (LGU)
• Ground Breaking (Capsule Laying)
• Introduction of GOH
• Message of the Guest of Honor (GOH)
• Awarding of Token of Appreciation
o Blessing /Turnover Ceremony/Inauguration
PART 1
• Priest or Pastor officiates the Holy Mass or Prayer
• Cutting of Ribbon at the entrance of the building
• Benediction or Blessing of the building (with candles)
• Unveiling of Marker or Turnover of Key
• (Closing Prayer)
TESDA CIRCULAR
Ceremonies and Programs in TESDA No. 0'12 series of 2022
PART 2
• Program Proper
• Invocation (optional)
• National Anthem
• Recognition of Attendees (optional)
• Welcome Remarks from Administrator/RD/PD
• Message from other VIP (LGU/Donors/Stakeholders)
Message of GOH
Awarding of Plaque of Appreciation
o Other Ceremonies
• Invocation
• National Anthem
• Remarks of PD/PTC Admin
• Presentation of the Briefing Presentation by PD/PTC Admin
• Other AVPs
• Introduction of GOH (RD/PD)
• Message of the GOH
• Open Forum
• Presentation of Plaque of Appreciation
8. Opening and Graduation Ceremonies
The standard sequences of the program to be adopted for the Course

Opening and Closing Ceremonies in the conduct of any training or seminar is listed
below:
0
Opening Ceremony
• Invocation
• National Anthem
• Opening/ Welcome Remarks of the Hosts
• Presentation of Students
• Declaration of Opening of the Course
• Introduction of the guest speaker
• Speech of the GOH
• Presentation of Plaque to the Guest (if any)
• Mass Singing of "TESDA Hymn"
TESDA CIRCULAR
Closing Ceremony
• Invocation
• National Anthem
• Remarks
• Presentation of Candidates for Graduation
• Declaration of Graduates
• Class Impression (1 Rep for each Batch)
• Distribution of Certificates of Awards
• Introduction of the GOH
• Speech of GOH
• Presentation of Plaque to the GOH (optional)
9. Signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) or Memorandum of

Understanding (MOU)
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU): A memorandum of understanding

(MOU) is a document describing a bilateral agreement between parties. An MOU
expresses a convergence of will between the parties, indicating an intended
common line of action. It is a more formal than a verbal or "hand-shake" agreement
but generally lacks the binding power of a contract. MOUs do not require any party
to commit funds or other resources. The MOU does not create duties or legally
enforceable liabilities or obligations for any party nor does it establish a standard
of care attributable to the activities associated with the subject of the agreement.
MOUs should contain the following provisions:
• a listing of the parties involved;

• a purpose;
• terms and conditions;
• appropriate bilateral signatures;
• duration of the agreement; and
• any special provisions as applicable.
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA): An MOA is a document written between

parties to cooperatively work together on an agreed upon project or meet an
agreed upon objective. The purpose of an MOA is to have a written formal
understanding of the agreement between parties. An MOA details the obligations
and commitments of the parties and allocates and minimizes each party's risks. It
can also be referred to as a contract and is legally binding. MOAs must contain,
but are not limited to:
• a listing of the parties involved;

• a purpose/statement of work;
• terms and conditions;
TESDA CIRCULAR
Ceremonies and Programs in TESDA No. 042- series of 2022
• appropriate bilateral signatures;

• duration of agreement; and
• any payment terms or special provisions as applicable.
Relatively, the indicated guidelines in negotiating international agreements

shall be observed:
Office of the President (OP) Memorandum Circular No. 16 series of 2017,

states that:
"1. All heads of departments, bureaus, offices, agencies, or instrumentalities

of the government, including government-owned or -controlled corporations
(GOCCs) and state universities and colleges (SUCs), are hereby directed to
coordinate closely with the DFA prior to the negotiation and signing of international
agreements as defined in EO No. 459, and/or with the Department of Finance
(DoF) prior to the negotiation and signing of agreements covering borrowings,
guarantees, and foreign grants;"
In some occasions where the TESDA hosts a forum attended by foreign

delegations where Understandings/Agreements are signed, the following
procedure are prescribed:
a. The Philippines, as host, is on the left and the foreign counterpart is on their
right.
b. Their respective flags are placed side by side between the two signatories.
c. An annotation gives the significance of the agreements/treaties to be signed,

information on the signatories and the sequence and procedures for signing
in accordance with the principle of the alternate.
d. Alternate means that when an agreement is signed between two states, or

among several states, each signatory keeps an official copy for themselves.
Alternate refers to the principle which provides that a state's own name will
be listed ahead of the other signatory or signatories, in its own official copy.
e. In multilateral understandings/agreements, signatories sign in alphabetical

order in French or English language the names of their countries.
Example: ASEAN Brunei

Countries Darussalam
Cambodia East Timor

TESDA CIRCULAR
Indonesia Lao PDR
Malaysia Myanmar
Philippines Singapore
Timor-Leste Thailand
Vietnam
f. Below is the program sequence of MOU/MOA Signing:
• Invocation
• National Anthem
• Recognition of Attendees/Donors/Personalities (optional)
• Welcome Remarks
• Overview of the Project
• Message of the First Party
• Message of the Second Party
• MOA/MOU Signing Proper
• Message of GOH
• Exchange of Memento (Optional)
• Photo Session
10. Hosting of Formal Dinner, Official Visits and Conference
The most common social events in diplomatic life are cocktail parties, formal
dinner, yin d' honneur, luncheon, and teas.
a. Reception Line
a.1. At formal receptions, there is usually a receiving line to give each guest
the opportunity to greet the Host, Hostess and Guest of Honor. When
entertaining in honor of distinguished guests, the following receiving line
are recommended:
• Host, Guest of Honor, Host's Wife, Wife of the Guest of Honor

• Host, Guest of Honor, Wife of the Guest of Honor, Hostess
a.2. It is also customary to announce the arrival of guests. This is usually

done either by the Protocol Officer, Military Attaché, or a Junior Official or
TESDA CIRCULAR
OPR. It is also useful to have one or more Junior Officer/s (OPR) standing
near the end of the line.
a.3. The receiving line of the reception or cocktail party should be kept as
short as possible. A long receiving line tends to slow down a reception and
serves no useful purpose.
a.4. At the end of the function, when the guests depart, the order of the
reception line is reversed.
b. Kind of visit/purpose of visit
■ Initial Visit/Courtesy Call

■ Return Visit
■ Conference
■ Signing of MOU/MOA
■ Consultative Meeting
c. Secretariat is responsible for the documentation of the above-cited

activities, it is also responsible for the overall management of the event,
from the preparation to the actual implementation.
d. Checklist for Secretariat:
■ Delegation List
o Official Delegates — names, titles, ranks, positions
o Alternate delegates
o Accompanying family members
o Accompanying support staff
o Personal Data
o Health Requirements
o Food restriction
o Other information about Delegation
■ Travel Itinerary and Flight Details

o Chartered Flight/Carrier/Commercial Flight/Private Flight
o Date of Departure from place of origin
o Date of Arrival
o Time of Arrival
o Terminal (Entry)
■ Hotel Accommodations
o Advance registration
o Room assignment
TESDA CIRCULAR
Ceremonies and Programs in TESDA No. cI2 series of 2022
o Information kits at Guest's Room/s

o Flowers
o Welcome Drinks
o Master list of Delegation members with room numbers
• Local transportation
o Cars for Delegation, accompanying personnel (with markings)
o Escorts
o Ambulance
• Conference venue
o Secretariat
o Supplies
o Communications and other logistics
o Seating arrangements (Name Plates/Tags)
o Presidential tables or head table
o Flags (Big & flaglets)
o Microphones and other equipment
• Arrival of Guest at Airport

o Customs
o Immigration Pre-arranged Protocol services
o Quarantine
o Assignment of Protocol Assistant to Delegate
o Reception at planeside
o Flowers for Ladies/Garlands for Gentlemen (Check with allergies/if
not non flower kind)
o Introduction of receiving officials by Protocol Officer
o Introduction of arriving guests by other party Protocol Officer
o Collections of luggage and loading in cars (assign other staff) with
pre-arranged name tags/stickers to delegates for their luggage)
• From Airport to hotel

o Detailed Itinerary
o Escorts and security (Highway Patrol)
• Arrival at hotel
o Distribution of keys (Pre-arranged check-in details)
o Welcome drinks
o Welcome by Hotel Manager
o Flowers/Fruits in room
o Information kit in Delegate's Room (Program, Emergency kits,
Detailed Itinerary, Brochure, etc.)
o Escorting to Rooms
o Demonstration on use of room facilities (if necessary)
TESDA CIRCULAR
Ceremonies and Programs in TESDA No. 042. series of 2022
o Hot/cold water, TV monitor, etc.

o Telephone connections
■ Evening Activity
o Welcome Dinner
o Reception Line
o Cocktails
o Welcome Speech by Host
o Toast
o Response by Chief Delegate
o Return Toast
o Exchange Gifts
o Dinner Proper
o Evening Entertainment
■ First Day of Visit and Subsequent Days

o Courtesy Call on President (optional) or appropriate official
o Visit to Rizal Monument at the Luneta (optional)
o Start of official program of visit. A separate program for
Spouses of Delegates may be prepared
o Arrival at Conference Venue
o Flag Arrangement
o Seating Arrangement
o Principal Guest
o Other Delegation Members
o Public/Gallery
o Conference Kit containing Conference Documents
o Conference Proper
o Presentation of Country Papers
o Simultaneous translation (if necessary)
o Distribution of copies of Country Paper to Delegates
o Distribution of Certificate of Appearance
o Breakout Rooms
o Lunch/Dinner Hall
o Secretariat Logistics
✓ Printer, CPU set, IDs, Attendance Sheet, etc.
o Assigned Usherettes/Ushers
■ Delegates consultation on side of meetings
■ Preparation/drafting of Conference Communiqué Press Conference (or

Preparation of the Highlights/Minutes of the meeting)
TESDA CIRCULAR
Ceremonies and Programs in TESDA No. °V series of 2022
. Signing of Conference Communiqué

o Alternate-bilateral treaty
o Alphabetical order in French or English language of names of
participating countries-multilateral treaty.
• Closing Ceremonies
o Closing Statement of Host
o Closing statement of Chief Delegate
o Media Coverage
o Exchange of Decoration (optional)
• Free Day (optional)

o Sightseeing
o Shopping
• Departure
o Advance check-in
o Gather luggage
o Motor to Airport
o Airport Ceremony (Arrangement of VIP Lounge)
o Boarding Aircraft
. Post Conference Activities

o Settle hotel bills
o Clear Conference Venue
o Take out equipment
o Prepare Conference Report/ After Activity Report
o Send appreciation letters to those who assisted in visit/conference
11. Welcoming the Guest
• Arrival honors in any form must be brief and neatly executed. Sometimes a
lei, a handshake and a photo op suffice.
8 It is also customary for visiting ambassadors and other dignitaries to be

ushered/guided from the entrance to the TESDA complex and to the venue
of the program.
. When the venue of the call is at the Office of the Director General (DG)
Lounge, the Protocol Officer (PO) together with the host/OPR receives the
Guest from the lobby of TESDA Complex. An usherette will have the lei
worn by the Guest/Head of Delegation. After which the PO and host/OPR
will escort the guests to the ODG Lounge. The PO shall knock at the door
TESDA CIRCULAR
of the lounge before entering. Upon entrance, the PO shall introduce the
Guest/Head of Delegation to the Secretary.
■ A reception line is in order when the party or program is either large and
formal or has for guest of honor the President of the Republic, the President
of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Chief
Justice, an Ambassador or a visiting head of state.
■ The Secretary/Director General and the rest of the reception line must
come, at the very least, 15 minutes before the guests are expected to
arrive. An introducer of sufficient rank walking to his/her right, must guide
the guest of honor down the receiving line, announcing clearly at every stop
the name and position of the welcoming officials.
■ For less formal occasions where no receiving line is employed, consider

the use of nametags and the help of staff assistants who will see to it that
guests are brought and introduced to the hosts as they arrive. For large
events, guests are also expected to announce/introduce themselves to the
host as they meet at the entrance.
■ The reception line, arranged from highest to lowest level of welcomers, the
highest officials of the units/offices. As cited above, an introducer must walk
alongside the guest of honor (to his/her right) and announce in a clear voice
the name and position of every person in the line.
■ Signing the guest book. This little act of guest book signing has ceremonial,
historical and administrative values and should not be missed in formal
receptions. A TESDA official should lead the guest of honor to the foyer
where the guest book is. A photographer should be on hand; a good pen
available. The date and the title of the event should be pre-printed in nice
longhand before the first guest arrives. For very large receptions, a pre-
printed registration list attended to by an alert and cordial secretariat serves
the purpose.
■ Other TESDA officials, may be invited to be on hand during the visit of a

high-ranking government official or foreign dignitaries. Who gets invited
depends on the objective of the visit, e.g., an ambassador at the start of his
tour of duty would pay the Director General a courtesy call which is akin to
a presentation of credentials, or would visit for the "ground breaking " for a
major project involving the ambassador's constituents. The other invitees
should already be around before the honored guest arrives. It ruins the flow
to restart introductions when more serious discussion is already underway.
TESDA CIRCULAR
■ When receiving Muslim guests, it is advisable to call up the latter's secretary

and ask advice about the propriety of certain practices.
■ Business Card Etiquette. Always be ready with a stack of neat, crisp

business cards when you are scheduled to meet first-time guests,
especially foreigners.
■ The business cards of TESDA officials and other personalities must reflect
the image of the Authority. Careful thought should be given to their design
and the choice of stock and printing.
■ Among Asians - particularly the Japanese, Chinese and Koreans — the

exchange of cards early on during the courtesy call or meeting is an act of
much grace and deference. It would be nice for the Filipino host to adapt to
its rhythm. The Japanese present their cards with both hands and a little
bow especially to someone whom they believe is more important or whom
they wish to honor. Take a little time to read the card before keeping it in
your pocket or setting it aside. You may pick up some information from it to
start small talk.
■ Remember that the Chinese write their family names first. Therefore, you
would address the Mr. Chen Jiebin in the card as Mr. Chen. Some Chinese
names have been westernized; it is easy to spot the surname in such
cases.
■ Knowing your guest/small-talk protocol. Do not rush your foreign guest to

the discussion of the agenda for the visit. The latter may not even be
apparent in some cases. Allow for a short warm-up period (varies from
culture to culture) talking about safe topics until the guest has relaxed and
is at ease.
■ Sending the curriculum vitae before the visit. It is customary for the staff of
visiting members of the diplomatic corps to send the host a copy of the
diplomat's curriculum vitae: they will in turn ask a copy of the curriculum
vitae of the host. The exchange can be initiated by either party.
■ The host (the Secretary/Director General) must have a set of

briefing/background materials at least three days prior to the arrival of an
honored guest. When receiving an ambassador for instance, the
Secretary/Director General's briefing notes might consist of the following:
an executive brief / memoranda of agreement signed with counterpart in
the Ambassador's home country (if there is any), the status of each
partnership, list of beneficiaries/scholarship grantee/s of the partnership.,
etc. If the guest is a donor who had given in prior years, the
TESDA CIRCULAR
Ceremonies and Programs in TESDA No. (342 series of 2022
Secretary/Director General must be reminded of this before s/he arrives.

The status of funds and how the donation was used could serve as the
host's talking points.
12. Rank and Precedence
Precedence is the priority of place based on superiority of rank. In protocol,

the observance of precedence is important as it indicates basic recognition and
respect for rank and seniority. Often it is the primary source of goodwill among
diplomats and officials.
Precedence of Officials in the Philippines-although no law or executive order

has established the order of precedence in the Philippines, in practice the
following order prevails:
• The President
• The Vice President
• Former Presidents of the Philippines
. The President of the Senate
. The Speaker of the House of Representatives
• The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
• The Secretary of Foreign Affairs
• Foreign Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
• The Executive Secretary
. The Cabinet Secretary
• The Secretary of Finance
• The Secretary of Justice
• The Secretary of Agriculture
• The Secretary of Public Works and Highways
• The Secretary of Education
. The Secretary of Labor and Employment
. The Secretary of National Defense
. The Secretary of Health
. The Secretary of Trade and Industry
. The Secretary of Human Settlement and Urban Development
• The Secretary of Social Welfare and Development
. The Secretary of Agrarian Reform
• The Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources
. The Secretary of Interior and Local Government
• The Secretary of Tourism
. The Secretary of Transportation
. The Secretary of Science and Technology
• The Secretary of Budget and Management
• The Secretary of Energy
TESDA CIRCULAR
Ceremonies and Programs in TESDA No. 0'o- series of 2022
. The Secretary of Information and Communications Technology

. Foreign Envoys Extraordinary and Ministers Plenipotentiary
. The Director General, National Economic and Development
Authority
. Presidential Communication Secretary
• Director General of the National Security Council
• The Head of Presidential Management Staff
. Presidential Spokesperson
. Solicitor General
. Presidential Legal Counsel
. The Chairman of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA)
. The Secretary of the National Commission of Muslim Filipinos
. Other Presidential Advisers with Cabinet Ranks
• Members of the Senate (by length of Service)
. Members of the House of Representatives (by length of Service)
• Associate Justices of the Supreme Court
. The Heads of Constitutional Commissions
. Members of the Council of State (not cabinet members)
• Acting Heads of Departments & former Vice Presidents of the
Philippines
. The Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs
I, Foreign Envoys Extraordinary & Ministers Plenipotentiary Officials
with Cabinet rank
• The Commission on Immigration
. The Chairman, National Economic Council
• The Press Secretary
. The Commissioner on Audit
• Ambassadors of the Philippines
• Undersecretaries of Departments including the Assistant Executive
Secretaries
. Assistant Secretaries of Departments, Directors- General & Chiefs
of Mission I & II of the Department of Foreign Affairs
. The Governor of the Central Bank
. Foreign Charges' d' Affaires de missi, Foreign Charges' d' Affaires
ad interim
• The Mayor of Manila
. The Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeals, the President of the
University of the Philippines, the Chief of Staff, Commissioners or
officials with the rank of Undersecretary
. Heads of permanent United Nations Agencies in the Philippines with
the rank of Director
. Provincial Governors
. The Vice Chief of Staff
TESDA CIRCULAR
■ Foreign Ministers - Counselors, Counselors of Embassies, Consul

General, Foreign Military Attaches with the rank of Major General or
Rear Admiral, any Officers of equivalent rank in the Armed Forces
of the Philippines (AFP)
■ Judges of the Regional Trial Court
■ First Secretaries of Foreign Embassies, Foreign Military Attaches
with the rank of Brigadier General or Commodore & Officers of
equivalent rank in the AFP
■ Mayors of Chartered Cities
■ Directors of Bureaus and Chiefs of Offices
■ Presidents, Chairmen & Managers of Government Corporations
■ Second Secretaries and Consuls of Foreign Embassies, Foreign
Military Attaches with the rank of Colonel or Lieutenant Colonel &
Officers of equivalent rank in the AFP
■ Third Secretaries and Vice Consuls of Foreign Embassies, Foreign
Military Attaches with the rank of Major or Captain & Officers of
equivalent rank in the AFP
The above order of the precedence, which includes civil, police military, and
diplomatic representatives, varies under certain situations. For instance, in the
absence of the President, the Vice President, the Senate President, the Speaker
of the House of Representatives, and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the
Secretary of Foreign Affairs who is the senior member of the Cabinet takes over
in which case they outrank foreign ambassadors. In a function wherein the host is
a foreigner, Filipino officials present therein precede their foreign counterparts.
The Guest of Honor precedes all other guests. Customary, no person of a

higher rank than the Guest of Honor is invited to the same function. Should it
become necessary to invite such a person of a higher rank, they should be
properly informed; acceptance on his part after being so informed means that they
have no objection to being outranked by a Guest of Honor.
Filipino custom requires that a Filipino host gives way to the President of the
Philippines. The latter occupies the seat normally occupied by the host. The host
and his/spouse wife sit to the left and right respectively, of the President, or the
next positions of honor depending on the seating arrangement.
The above-mentioned diplomatic representatives together with their

staff constitute the Diplomatic Corps of which the head is called the Doyen or
Dean. In many countries, the Papal representative is the Dean of the Diplomatic
Corps regardless of the date of their accreditation, and sometimes regardless of
their rank. In some countries, the Dean is the diplomat with the rank. The title of
Dean or Doyen is only for ceremonial purposes. In the Philippines, no other
prerogatives go with the said title.
TESDA CIRCULAR
Ceremonies and Programs in TESDA No. °La series of 2022
Consular Officers, who, under international laws are not diplomatic

representatives, do not have a right to precedence except among themselves and
in their home governments. They are classified in the order of rank as: Consuls
General, Consul or Vice-Consuls. They precede each other according to rank and
deities of exequatur, which is a written official recognition and authority of a
Consular Officer issued by the government to which they are accredited. There is
also a Dean of the Consular Corps, a position which is, as in the case of the Dean
of the Diplomatic Corps, for ceremonial purposes only.
13. Courtesy Call, Introduction and Handshake
a. Courtesy Call
Courtesy Calls are generally performed by visiting dignitaries to their

respective host in order to initially convey the objective of their visit. It is important
for the host to obtain a list of participants ahead of time in order to draw the list of
the counterparts who will attend the call. The list will also determine the seating
arrangement.
In general, calls are made in order to pay and express one's respect to
officials of higher rank or to establish official and social contacts with the public
officials, individuals and social groups. In the latter case, rank need not
necessarily be considered.
In courtesy calls, the guest of honor is in the right of the host.
Proper Seating Arrangement in a Courtesy Call of Visiting Dignitaries

Courtesy Call at the ODG Lounge
PHILIPPINE FLAG AGENCY FLAG
FOREIGN VISITOR/ I-11 SECRETARY

HEAD OF DELEGATION I t1 I 0
30 Yb 101N3S.150.1
S3811-3/4
TESDA CIRCULAR
Ceremonies and Programs in TESDA No. NZ series of 2022
b. Introducing people to each other
b.1. The proper protocol in introducing people to each other is guided by

considering their sex, age and rank, thus, introduce:
• A man to a woman
• A younger person to an older woman
• A lower ranking person to a higher-ranking person
• Introduce new comer first to the group, and then the group, usually
at random, without observing priorities, if all are more or less of equal
ranking
b.2. When you are doing the introductions, make sure to speak clearly and
pronounce the names carefully and correctly. It is also polite to look at the
persons you are talking to. It is accepted to provide description about the
persons you are introducing, especially if it is relevant to the conversation.
Observe professional titles, such as Doctor or Attorney, when introducing
people. (Be careful with the use of the title DOCTOR, even if the person
has a doctoral degree (PhD). This is usually appropriate only for Doctors of
medicine.)
c. Handshakes in Introduction
c.1. Gentlemen always shake hands with each other when introduced.
c.2. It is very rude not to look into the countenance of the person whose
hand one takes. A smile rendered during the handshake is a very polite
act.
c.3. The general rule is a woman has the privilege of offering to shake
hands with a gentleman. However, she should not embarrass a man who
has offered his hand.
14. Seating Arrangement
In any official assembly or social gathering where the seating of guests is in

accordance with protocol, arrangements must be worked out well in advance to
avoid confusion and embarrassment.
The gathering may be one of the following: conference, international

celebration or local, seated meal; reception of important personages in a house or
in a club; a national celebration where civilian and uniformed officials will be
present; graduation exercises.
TESDA CIRCULAR
Ceremonies and Programs in TESDA No. oq-z. series of 2022
In preparing for this type of activity, one must always bear in mind that an
individual guest will surely feel either uneasy or offended if he is not seated in the
right place. The problem of seating by precedence must then be studied in minute
detail, and relative rank of guests carefully established. It must also be
remembered that the rules must be so applied in order to blend into what may be
termed as the "happiest arrangement". It would be difficult to have a complete set
of rules in any given situation, but available rules may be used effectively as
guides. There will always be some departures. For example, in a sit-down dinner,
it may be better to considered the language spoken by certain guests instead of
rank in order to avoid the situation which some guests may not be able to converse
with anybody. Explanations are order in case of departures from normal
arrangements.
Under a single table arrangement, the guest of honor is always seated

immediately to the right of the host or hostess, and next ranking guest immediately
to the left, and so forth. Ladies as much as possible, should alternate with
gentlemen. Husbands and wives should not, as much as possible, be seated side
by side. When two guests are of the same rank and one is of the same nationality
as the host, precedence shall be given the other.
It is always safe and wise to consult officials and individuals familiar with
seating arrangements when preparing for a formal gathering. Protocol officers in
the Department of Foreign Affairs and in foreign service establishments are used
to this routine experience is the best guide here as the particular composition of a
group of guests always a new thing.
The problems are most difficult when officials and prominent persons from
different countries are expected to attend. In general. the hosts follow their own
rules. These rules may differ from those of other countries. Likewise, when
entertaining one's home, the host must follow the normal arrangements accepted
in his country. When being entertained, however, one" must be prepared for
variations in arrangements in accordance with practices in the home country of
the hosts. Guests should accept the procedures even if they are not in accordance
with those they have been used to.
It is wise not to invite persons whose precedence is still doubtful and may be
in conflict with those of important guests. It is also important to consider the
compatibility and particular interests of a given group of guests. This would require
some knowledge of personalities.
TESDA CIRCULAR
Ceremonies and Programs in TESDA No. °42 series of 2022
SEATING ARRANGEMENT FOR MEETING
DAIS SEATING ARRANGEMENT
#5 #5 #3 #3 #1 #1 #2 #4 #4 #6 #6
#2
Guest Host Guest Host Guest Host Guest Host Guest Host Guest Host
III
popurl
Ranking
Guest
I 121 [ 1o] 8 6 SEC. 3 5 7 9 11 13
Table Table
TESDA CIRCULAR
Ceremonies and Programs in TESDA No. ogil series of 2022
U-Shaped Table -Unaccompanied Seating
6' 4th DDG

Ell HOST
/ Ell Ma
7th
Guest
Guest
loth
ath
Guest
Guest
U-Shaped Table — Seating Arrangement for Visit of Delegation
Concerned TESDA Officials

TESDA CIRCULAR
Proper Seating Arrangement in a Courtesy Call of Visiting Dignitaries.
Courtesy Call at the ODG Lounge
PHILIPPINE AGENCY
PI AO. PI An
FOREIGN VISITOR/ SECRETAR

HEAD OF
DELEGATION
Sb311113.1 16011V03 1)0
SEATING ARRANGEMENT FOR DINNER

1. FOR ROUND TABLE
H
1 GH LGH H
3
1
5 7
8 6 2
3
2
4 5
H — Host
6
LH — Lady Host
GH — Guest of Honor
LGH — Lady Guest of Honor
Entertainment
TESDA CIRCULAR
Ceremonies and Programs in TESDA No. Oqi series of 2022
2. FOR RECTANGULAR TABLE
5 1 H 3 7 5 1 H 3 7 9
ODD NUMBER EVEN NUMBER
8 4 GH 2 6 8 4 GH 2 6 10
H — Host
LH — Lady Host
GH —Guest of Honor
LGH — Lady Guest of Honor
3. RECTANGULAR TABLE OF EIGHT
M w M
Hostess w
M w Host
GH — Gentleman of Honor
LGH — Lady of Honor
TESDA CIRCULAR
Ceremonies and Programs in TESDA No. °42- series of 2022
4. ROUND TABLE OF EIGHT
Host
W7 LH
1
M 1 2 M
GH 1
Hostess
5. WHEN DINING OUT
w Host W
LH 1
2 w
1 GH
M
M Hostess
Tables of Ten
Hostess
Host
TESDA CIRCULAR
Ceremonies and Programs in TESDA No. '347-- series of 2022
15. Gifts and Tokens
-Remembrance of the Visit
■ The exchange of gifts between guest and host is customary among Asians.
So be ready with a little something for the Asian guest, either during
courtesy call or dinner. In case of the latter, the handing out or distribution
of token gifts is also employed to gently signal to everyone the end of the
party and to close it on a positive note.
■ A more special gift is given to honorees of testimonial and retirement

dinners, along with a citation or a certificate.
■ Tokens and institutional giveaways from the Authority, even if inexpensive,

must be tastefully rendered, dignified and appropriate.
■ Try to read up on the culture of the guest, or ask those who know, to avoid
choosing an inappropriate gift, e.g., clock symbolizes death among the
Chinese.
■ Little items that will showcase the research, inventions and products of the
Authority are likely candidates for tokens. Remember the traveling
convenience of the guest; do not give bulky or heavy items, or those that
will get them into trouble with customs officers - pirated CDs, battery-
operated gadgets, perishable foodstuff, etc.
■ Unless prompted by the giver (sometimes they wish to explain its use or
significance), do not open gifts while the courtesy call or dinner is ongoing.
16. Additional Guidelines
■ To inculcate better appreciation of TESDA's mission and vision, and

express honor in being a TESDAn, all officials and employees, are hereby
directed to begin all TESDA events/programs with an invocation and
conclude with the singing of the TESDA Hymn.
■ Only the updated official AVP of Philippine National Anthem and TESDA
Hymn produced and disseminated by the Public Information Division (PID)
shall be played during the TESDA events/programs.
■ CSW with necessary attachments relative to the event or ceremony should

be approved by the Director General at least a week prior to the event.
TESDA CIRCULAR
■ The speech of the Director General must be sent to the Public Information
and Assistance Division (PIAD) for review and comments, at least 15
working days before the actual day of event.
■ The best way to implement an activity smoothly is to plan ahead and to plan
carefully. A poorly planned and managed activity is insulting to the honoree
and to other guests. An event organizer planning a program or reception
for the Authority may create separate checklists and activity timeline for
various functions.
■ Serve simple but nutritious food. Extravagant celebration is discouraged.

Funding for the activity is subject to the availability of funds and strict
adherence to existing government accounting and auditing rules and
regulations and Administrative and Financial Guidelines.
■ As a rule of thumb, the Guest of Honor shall always be the last to speak.
■ If the Secretary/Director General is the Guest of Honor and Speaker

(GOHS), always seated to his right is the local Head of Office which takes
the role as Host. All other guests may then be seated alternately from the
center depending on their respective ranks or positions.
■ Limit guests to be seated at the presidential table. As much as possible,

seats should always be in odd number, so that the guest is seated at the
center.
■ Place the Philippine Flag at the right side of the stage facing the audience.
See to it that the rostrum is placed in a manner that the flag does not cover
the speaker. If possible, prepare separate podium for the Master of
Ceremony to the left side of the stage facing the audience.
■ Provide a holding area for Top Management for briefing before the event.
■ Introducing the Secretary/Director General to the Guest of Honor and

Speaker by the Protocol Officer.
■ Introducing the Guest Speaker
o Whenever possible, if the Director General is the GOHS, a one-liner

introduction by a senior TESDA official is sufficient.
o If the GOHS is senior to the Secretary/Director General, the latter
maybe asked to do the introduction. Introductory speech should be
prepared by the host office.
TESDA CIRCULAR
In most cases, Emcees or Program Host must only facilitate the

sequencing of events. Introduction may not be delegated to the Emcee
or Host alone.
a In all events, the Office Primary Responsible (OPR)/Focal Person must

brief the Chief of Staff about the event a day before the event. Henceforth,
he/she will brief the Top Management Officials about the event before the
actual day of the program. The Top Management Officials must not come
unprepared or surprised.
. See to it that the stage/venue is presentable and appropriate. No glamorous

decorations.
. Backdrop (Tarpaulin or LED) should be placed in such a manner that those

sitting at the presidential table will not cover it. Elevation shall be
considered.
. Remove the name tags and chairs allotted to guests who will not show up
before the start of the program.
. While the program is ongoing, the program should not stop to acknowledge
the late arrival of some guests. An usherette should lead the guest to the
presidential table, put the name tag. He/she can be acknowledged after or
during a reasonably break in the program.
. Photo opportunity should be properly coordinated and arranged

accordingly. The Photographer shall be the overall coordinator for the photo
opportunity.
. Preparatory meetings between and among all coordinators should be

undertaken to discuss the program/event. If possible, rehearsal should be
conducted a day before the program/eve.
17. Procedural Guidelines on the Conduct of Virtual or Online Events
a. LOG-IN AND APPOINTMENT PROCESS
a.1. LOG-IN. The participant/s for online event shall log-in to their existing
account using the format Office or Region/Name of Participant.
a.2. CONFIRMATION AND LINK. The participant will receive a

confirmation email containing the invitation link and password to the video
conference. The video conferencing link and password for the event are
strictly confidential and sharing the same to any other person is prohibited.
TESDA CIRCULAR
b. FORMALITY REQUIREMENTS
b.1. PLATFORM. Participants are advised to download the application and

familiarize themselves with the application's operational features prior to
the ceremony.
b.2. DRESS CODE. For propriety purposes, participant, during the

ceremony, are required to wear formal or business attire or any attire
appropriate to the occasion.
b.3. BACKDROP. Participants are required to use a white backdrop with

TESDA logo (white physical or virtual background) throughout the
ceremony. This is optional to the invited guests.
b.4. SET UP AREA. Participants shall ensure that their set up area has a
stable internet connection to avoid disruptions and preferably with no
background noise to maintain the solemnity of the ceremony.
c. PRE-CEREMONY PROTOCOLS
c.1.IDENTITY SCREENING TIME. At the scheduled time and date of the

ceremony, participants shall open the invitation link provided at any time
one (1) hour before the start of the ceremony for identity screening
purposes:
Example: Schedule of online event: 10:00 AM

Screening Time: 9:00 AM — 9:45 AM
c.2. ADMISSION. The participant will be admitted after screening, or 15

minutes prior to the actual ceremony.
c.3. LOBBY AND STANDBY TIME. Upon clicking the link, the inductees will
be directed to a lobby (virtual waiting room), and they shall be required to
standby until the administrator/host admits them into the main video
conference room.
c.4. ONE DEVICE LIMIT. Inductees are allowed to log-in and join the video
conference using one (1) device only. Those whose name will appear more
than once in the video conference's list of participants due to the use of
several devices shall be presumed to have shared the link details with
unauthorized persons in violation of the rules herein stated.
Accordingly, all participants bearing multiple names shall be removed from

the video conference and shall no longer be admitted on the said ceremony.
TESDA CIRCULAR
c.5. READMISSION. Those participants who got disconnected within the

duration of the event may still be readmitted to access the video
conference.
d. CEREMONY PROPER PROTOCOLS
d.1.PROGRAM. The ceremony will be conducted following the sequence

on the program during face-to-face mode of activity.
d.2. PROPER DECORUM. Participants shall maintain formality and

solemnity of the ceremony, and proper decorum shall be expected from all
attendees. Stepping out of the video conference, taking calls, shouting, or
doing any other activity that may cause interruption to the ceremony is
prohibited. No other person or object is allowed to be seen with the
participant at any time during the video conference.
d.3. VIDEO AND AUDIO MODE. Participants are required to turn ON their
video camera during the screening and the entire ceremony. Audio should
always be kept on MUTE mode unless they are to respond to questions or
allowed to unmute by the Host.
d.4. USE OF CHAT BOX. Keep online chat focused on the topic or related
concerns. Ensure that chat is respectful to all participants.
d.5. AVOID DISTURBANCE. Keep mobile phone off and away while the
ceremony is ongoing. If participant is using his/her cellphone to join the
event, he or she must focus on the ongoing activity and avoid fiddling the
device for other purpose.
d.6. REMOVAL FROM VIDEO CONFERENCE. Any improper,

unwarranted, offensive, or untoward behavior during the video conference
will warrant immediate removal from the video conference.
d.7. RECORDING OF THE CEREMONY. For record and verification

purposes, the video conference will be recorded by the Host.
V. Effectivity
This Circular takes effect immediately. Widest dissemination of this Circular is

hereby enjoined.
_-..- ,..------
SEC. I IDRO S LAPEFIA, Ph.D., CSEE
Director General

TESDA Circular No. 042-2022

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

You might also like

TESDA Circular No. 042-2022

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

TESDA Circular No. 042-2022

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

TESDA CIRCULAR

SUBJECT: Guidelines on Protocols on Events, Page 1 of 38

In the interest of the service and to provide standards and procedures to be

Protocol for the government agencies is a code of traditional precedence, courtesy

TESDA usually hosts International and Local Meetings/Conferences, and other

This Guidelines and Protocol on Official Events, Ceremonies and Programs in

III. SCOPE AND COVERAGE

To provide standard procedures in conducting the Agency's events and activities,

a. Protocol of the National Flag

simmommilm How to properly display the Philippine flag immimmmoll

Times of Peace Times of War Times of Peace Times of War

Based on the rules and regulations implementing RA 8491

a.8. The flag shall never be dipped to any person or object.

b. Salute to the Flag

a. The observance of the flag ceremony in official or civic gatherings shall be

b. During the flag-raising ceremony, the assembly shall stand in formation

c. The assembly shall sing the Philippine national anthem, accompanied by a

e. In the Observance/Conduct of Flag Raising Ceremonies and Proper

e.1. Flag Raising Ceremonies

• All officials and employees from the Central, Regional Office,

3. The Philippine National Anthem

b. The rendition of the National Anthem, whether played or sung, shall be in

c. When the National Anthem is played at a public gathering, whether by a

o International competitions where the Philippines is the host or has a

f. The National Anthem shall be played only once in a day in an institution or

4. Pledge to the Flag

a. The following shall be the Pledge of Allegiance to the Philippine Flag

PANUNUMPA SA WATAWAT NG PILIPINAS

c. Pursuant to CSC Resolution No. 2100907, the Civil Service

Ako ay isang Iingkod bayan.

5. TESDA Logo and Hymn

a.1. Y-SHAPED LINE 1. These represent the three (3) major

a.2. It also symbolizes the open raised arms of the Filipino

a.3. Circle Above Y-Shaped Line This represent the Filipino

a.4. Segmented Cogwheel The classic rotary wheel means

a.5. Acronym "TESDA" Proudly states the acronym of TESDA,

Text is flanked on both sides by dots.

The left dot represents the termination of the National

6. Turn-Over Office Ceremony

a. The relinquishment and assumption of office or key position is publicly

b. The chronological instruction flow of the program listed below should be

■ Singing of Philippine National Anthem

■ Welcome / Opening Remarks (to be delivered by the appropriate

■ Reading of Relief and Designation Order

■ Message of the Outgoing Official

■ AVP on the Accomplishment of Outgoing Officer and Transition Report

■ Ceremonial turnover of office symbol, which is the Office Flag.

■ Turnover of various documents from the outgoing to the incoming official.

■ Message of the Incoming Official

■ Speech of the Presiding Officer. In case a token will be presented to the

■ Awarding of Plaque of Appreciation to the Outgoing Official as well as

■ Optional: Message of the Presiding Officer (DG/RD)

■ Mass Singing of "TESDA Hymn".

c. Program Sequence of Turnover of Office Ceremony

• AVP on the Accomplishment of Outgoing Official and Transition

7. Groundbreaking, Inauguration, and Turnover of Projects

c. Turnover documents in the case of project turnover should likewise be

d. This is usually emcee-driven so every step of the event can be