03 February 2023, Seoul – A Philippine Delegation from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) composed of Director Rosemarie G. Duquez and Mr. Edwin Cristobal of the DMW-Government Placement Branch together with Labor Attaché Maria Celeste Valderrama took part in the 2023 Joint EPS Workshop organized by the Human Resource Development Korea (HRDK) held from 26-27 January 2023 in Sokcho, Gangwon-do.

The DMW officials likewise met with Philippine Ambassador Theresa Dizon-de Vega, Attaché Valderrama, and Welfare Officer Aniceta Deuna where they shared in-depth views on strengthening pre-departure and post-arrival programs for Filipino EPS workers as well as welfare, training, and education programs in anticipation of the full normalization of the EPS program in 2023.

As Korea targets 110,000 EPS workers to enter the country this year, the Philippine Embassy and DMW’s efforts will be directed towards improving screening and deployment procedures, helping Filipino EPS workers become more competitive and better prepared to manage work. Ambassador de Vega underscored that proficiency in the Korean language and continuing skills improvement are essential elements to having a successful stint in the EPS sector and the Embassy and the POLO will continue to pursue programs in these areas. END