Sejong Administrative City, Republic of Korea - PH Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Concerns Jesus “Gary” S. Domingo met with ROK Ministry of Interior and Safety Director General for Civil Defense Park Jeonghyeon and Director General Kim Jeonghag of the Emergency Preparedness Policy Bureau to discuss areas of mutual interest in civil defense and disaster preparedness in a meeting at the Ministry of Interior and Safety last 14 September 2023. 

Undersecretary Domingo was joined by PH Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Theresa Dizon-De Vega, Third Secretary Reisha Olavario, and Special Assistant Erika Henri Laudencia during the meeting. Civil Defense Division Director Park Hyunyong joined the MOIS delegation and led an informative briefing on the ROK civil defense system. 

During the meeting, Undersecretary Domingo looked forward to cooperation in future activities, such as training and education on civil defense between first responders and policymaking officials of the Philippines and the Republic of Korea. He likewise emphasized the importance of close cooperation on civil defense matters, as well as emergency preparedness against natural disasters, calamities, and regional security threats. He also informed the ROK that the Philippines is open to exchanging best practices with the Republic of Korea, especially in typhoon, flood, and earthquake-related emergencies. Undersecretary Domingo also emphasized the importance of taking care of the welfare of the multicultural community in Korea, including the more than 62,000 Filipinos living in the ROK, by making foreigner-friendly announcements, applications, and signages for emergency alerts and notices. 

The Philippine delegation was also given a tour of the ROK’s state-of-the-art civil defense and emergency preparedness facilities. END