8 December 2024, Seoul. The Philippine Embassy together with the Inter-Agency Committee for Migration and Overseas Filipinos (IACMOF) hosted the International Forum on Migration with the theme “Empowering Overseas Filipinos / OFWs Towards Sustainable Reintegration” on 1 December 2024 at the Dongdaemun Shared Space to commemorate the month of migrant workers. The event, which gathered at least 230 participants from various Filipino community organizations across ROK, discussed the migration patterns, reintegration approaches, and frontline services for Overseas Filipinos in Korea.
In her opening remarks, Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega emphasized the vital role of Filipino migrants in strengthening bilateral relations between the Philippines and South Korea, while also highlighting the Philippine government’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare and rights of Overseas Filipinos. She underscored the importance of collaboration among government agencies and the Filipino community, noting that the forum is meant to highlight the various issues affecting the Filipino community in South Korea, and highlight reintegration initiatives for returning Filipinos.
The forum was graced by messages from IACMOF Chairperson Carmelita G. Nuqui of the Philippine Migrants Rights Watch (PMRW), Secretary Dante Francis M. Ang II of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), and Undersecretary Eduardo Jose A. De Vega of the DFA-Office of Migration Affairs.
A panel discussion on the “Profile and Patterns of Migration of Filipinos in South Korea” shed light on the diverse visa categories of Filipinos in South Korea, including E-9 (non-professional) and E-7 (special occupation) visas, and pathways to permanent residency through South Korea’s integration programs. Discussants included Deputy Chief of Mission Romulo Victor M. Israel, Jr., MWO-Seoul Labor Attaché Ma. Celeste M. Valderrama, PMRW Representative Lance A.S. Velasco, and Former South Korea National Assembly Member Hon. Jasmine B. Lee. Critical issues such as labor standards, financial scams, reintegration programs, community support measures, and Philippine policies on migration were discussed.
The second session focused on various reintegration approaches, featuring PMRW Representative Lance A.S. Velasco, CFO Director Marita Del Rosario Apattad, and OWWA-Seoul Welfare Officer Cornelia D.G. Chanco. Programs such as YouLeaD, Peso Sense, and Virtual Sentro Rizal were highlighted for their role in skill-building, financial literacy, and cultural integration.
The third session addressed reintegration challenges within the context of financial planning and investment opportunities in the Philippines. OFBank Representative Leover Loyola and DA-Seoul Agriculture Attaché Lev Nikko Makalintal shared insights on personal finance management and investment prospects, particularly in agriculture.
The forum similarly celebrated the resilience and achievements of Filipino migrants, featuring testimonials from Vice Mayor Avon Dumalaon, a former EPS worker in South Korea, and Mr. Wilfredo Rosal, Jr., a budding entrepreneur preparing for permanent return to the Philippines. Their journeys underscored the potential of migrant reintegration programs to transform challenges into opportunities.
The final session featured presentations on services available for Overseas Filipinos by Pag-IBIG Manager Theody Jean D. Amador; DOH Senior Health Program Officer Lenliegh Hope Andrade Luces; Presidential Communications Office representatives Angelica May C. Antolin and Frances Paula P. Libo-on; PhilHealth Vice President Lemuel T. Untalan; and SSS-Taipei Foreign Representative Bernardo C. Roman. Frontline service desks were also opened to cater to the individual inquiries of the forum participants.
The forum, hosted by Professor Sherro Lee Arellano and moderated by Vice Consul Jill De Dumo-Cornista, highlighted the Philippine Government’s whole-of-government commitment to addressing the needs of its overseas citizens, with a focus on sustainable reintegration, financial empowerment, and community resilience. Forum materials may be accessed by Overseas Filipinos at https://bit.ly/IFMKorea2024materials. For more information, please email the Philippine Embassy at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. END
