Section 3. Powers and Functions - Administrative Code of 1987

(1) Conduct the country's foreign relations;

(2) Maintain and develop the country's representation with foreign governments;

(3) Conduct Philippine representation in the United Nations, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and other international and regional organizations;

(4) Serve as the channel for matters involving foreign relations, including official communications to and from the Republic of the Philippines;

(5) Negotiate treaties and other agreements pursuant to instructions of the President, and in coordination with other government agencies;

(6) Promote trade, investments, tourism and other economic relations with other countries in cooperation with other government agencies;

(7) Foster cultural relations with other countries and protect and enhance the Philippines' image abroad;

(8) Undertake efforts to inform the international community about the Philippines in cooperation with other government agencies;

(9) Protect and assist Philippine nationals abroad;

(10) Carry out legal documentation functions as provided for by law and regulations;

(11) Monitor and analyze events in other countries and report them, as appropriate, to the President and other government agencies;

(12) Initiate, formulate, integrate and submit to the President short, medium, and long-range foreign policy plans and programs in cooperation with other government agencies;

(13) Supervise and direct officials and employees assigned by the Department and other government agencies to Foreign Service establishments abroad in accordance with the pertinent laws, rules and inter-agency agreements;

(14) Recruit, maintain and develop a professional career foreign service based on merit; and

(15) Perform such other functions as may be provided by law.