And the DFA is laying the blame on the much publicized case of presidential daughter Evangeline Lourdes "Luli" Arroyo, who was said to be only one of three who passed out of over 3,000 who took the FSO exams last year.
The DFA clarified yesterday that the "mortality rate" was not as bad as it seemed, because the number of applicants in Luli’s batch was actually half the one reported in media: 1,500, and not 3,000.
No matter the number, Luli’s foreign service career remains in limbo, because her mother President Arroyo has refused to sign her appointment papers to avoid charges of nepotism and conflict of interest.
Apparently to net more applicants, the Board of Foreign Service has also extended the deadline for submission of applications for the prequalifying test for this year’s FSO examinations from April 6 to April 16.
The board has refused to divulge the number of applications so far but admitted it was too low compared to previous years. A few days before the original April 6 deadline, less than a hundred had applied.
Schedules of the pre-qualifying test and written exams remain on April 29 and on June 21, 22 and 23, respectively. The oral examination for those who pass the written portion of the exams will be scheduled on a later date.
The FSO examinations are administered yearly to recruit potential candidates for appointment to the position of FSO IV, with the level of vice consul when assigned abroad.
The exams are open to all Filipino citizens who hold at least a four-year college degree and must not be more than 35 years old at the time of the written exam.
Applicants must be knowledgeable in Philippine economic, political and social conditions. They must also possess excellent oral and written communication skills.
The prequalifying test will be held in testing centers in Quezon City, Baguio City, Cagayan de Oro City, Cebu City, Davao City, Iloilo City, Legazpi City, San Fernando in La Union, Zamboanga City, Washington D.C., Vienna and Riyadh.
The written exams will be held in the cities of Pasay, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo and Zamboanga.
Application forms may be obtained personally or by mail from the DFA main office in Pasay City or any of the 10 DFA regional offices nationwide.
Applicants may also call 834-3080(83) or 834-4923(25) or write to the Board Secretary, Board of Foreign Service Examinations, DFA Building, Roxas Boulevard.