Star Rtn. Juan E. “Jed” Dayang, Jr.: Giving His All for the Service of God, Country and People

Born an international figure and destined to be a diplomat—this sums up Star Rtn. Dr. Juan E. “Jed” Dayang, Jr.’s professional journey. His early exposure to diplomacy, education outside the country, and travels around the world were all instrumental in shaping his career destiny. Prior to his current role as OIC of the Department of Foreign Affairs Intelligence and Security Unit, he served as Charge’ d’ affaires at the Philippine Embassy in Prague, Czech Republic. He also had a stint as political and economic officer and as Consul at the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, Republic of Korea. Fearless and bracing all of life’s challenges, he’s heading next to a “hardship post”, a work no ordinary person could ever volunteer for.

Get to know more about Star Rtn. Jed Dayang as he shares his experiences working in an environment with a new culture and language, the challenges he faced as a diplomat, and his great achievements.

Rhea Vitto Tabora (RVT): Was it your plan to become a diplomat early in your life?

Juan E. “Jed” Dayang, Jr. (JED): At a young age, I got interested to work internationally. When I was in college, my father sent me to Europe during summer breaks and introduced me to his friends, Ambassador Edmund Libid and Ambassador Nelson Laviña in London and Vienna, respectively, and I got to meet former Secretary Domingo Siazon, Jr. who was then Director-General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization in Vienna. I had my first exposure to diplomacy and got interested in doing international work.

RVT: How did you prepare for an international relations career and life as a diplomat?

JED: The early exposure to international travel to Asia, North and South Americas and Europe with my father, Johnny Dayang, a journalist, was crucial in my formation. He made sure that I travel with a purpose of learning. In my early 20s, I got a scholarship grant to do my MBA at the Graduate Institute of Peace Studies, Kyung Hee University. I was the first foreigner elected to be the Student Council President and I organized the International Model United Nations with US and Japanese delegates. I also attended the UN50 youth conference in San Francisco in 1995. My exposure to international leaders was when I did my internship at the Forum of Democratic Leaders in the Asia-Pacific based in Seoul led by Nobel Laureate Kim Dae-jung. I was an active youth leader in the mid 90s. I organized the Youth Forum on APEC in 1996 and we had President Fidel V. Ramos as our guest of honor and speaker. Apart from youth activism, I was a young academic and was a research fellow at the Yuchengco Center for East Asia and an Assistant Professorial Lecturer of International Business at De La Salle University. I also took foreign languages and further developed my leadership and communication skills through the Bayanihan Toastmasters Club, where I served as President.

RVT: How would you describe your experience working in an environment with a new culture and language?

JED: I have always been open to new cultures and languages. In my college days, I already took German, Spanish, and French languages. Knowing the language of a foreign country opens a window to their culture. It could be tough not knowing the language. I had a hard time with Korean and Czech languages but thankfully, I learned the language and culture which made my experience more meaningful. My tip is to read history books and current events of your host country, visit various places during weekends, and joining local clubs. In Korea, I was an active member of the South River Toastmasters Club, Hiking Club, and the Young Diplomats Happy Hour. In Australia, as a Doctoral Student at the Australian National University, I joined the Uni Toastmasters Club, the Spanish Speaking Club, the Catholic Group, and the Philippine Study Group where I made many friends.

RVT: What do you consider as your outstanding achievements as a diplomat?

JED: I could cite some achievements: First, successfully negotiating for a legal pathway for OFWs to work in the Czech Republic through ethical recruitment as well as forging Defense and Economic Cooperation agreements under my watch as Charge d’affaires. Second, advocating Financial Literacy workshops for OFWs in Korea, and retracing the steps of Jose Rizal in the Czech Republic by having a Rizal Trail in Litomerice, Prague, and Brno. I also promoted the Santo Nino de Cebu in the Czech Republic and Poland which can connect us through our faith with the Czech and Polish people

RVT: What were some challenges you faced as a diplomat in South Korea and Czech Republic, and how did you overcome them?

JED: On my first posting to Seoul, Korea, I was tasked to take care of the presidential visit of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to Korea during the APEC Summit in Busan, Korea. Despite the challenges of working remotely from the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, I led a team to take care of all arrangements for the visit. I was also able to arrange an honorary doctorate in a university for the President. Same case in the Czech Republic where I was acting Head of Mission for 2 ½ years. Despite my rank, I was able to successfully lead the Embassy and facilitated bilateral cooperation in defense and trade. I applied management techniques and work cooperatively with everybody making sure we also enjoy doing our work.

RVT: What’s the most bizarre situation you have encountered while performing your duty?

JED: There was a cult leader who fled the Czech Republic and spent nine years in hiding in the Philippines. He was the subject of an international manhunt in connection with the rape of over 300 women. He was eventually arrested in 2015 in Siargao yet there were petitions from the Czech Republic requesting political asylum in the Philippines.

RVT: How did you adjust managing the functions of Intelligence and Security Unit during the COVID-19 pandemic?

JED: All of us have to adjust with the “new normal” without hampering our services. First, I had to adjust to working remotely using online platforms. I was able to transition all diplomatic clearances via online processing. My office is also in charge of Emergency and Response and we had to do contract tracing and coordination with LGU Health Officers for employees infected by COVID-19. In terms of security, we practiced social distancing and made sure DFA employees and guests are following protocols. Overall, we became even more productive during the pandemic.

RVT: If you will be assigned to overseas embassies or consulates again, which country would you most like to work in and why?

JED: I volunteered to work in a “hardship post”. On 25 January, I received my assignment order from Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. assigning me as Charge d’affaires, en pied to the Philippine Embassy in Tripoli to ensure the welfare of Filipinos living there despite the precarious peace and order situation in Libya. After two years, I can transfer to another post.

RVT: If you could give one piece of advice to a potential diplomat, what would it be?

JED: Be the best representative of your country by giving your all for the service of God, country and people.

RVT: How has Rotary Club of Manila changed your life since you joined the Club last year?

JED: RCM has broadened my conception, knowledge and understanding of various professions and human conditions. I adhered to Rotary’s 4-way test and “service above self” as moral code as a diplomat. I am happy and proud to be part of a distinguished gentlemen whom I consider as my brothers.

RVT: What are your interests and hobbies? What do you do when you are not at work?

JED: I like taking long walks either in the city or in the countryside. I like exploring new worlds through travel, arts and culture. I also like architecture and knowing the history of things. I enjoy swimming and cycling in my spare time.