GOVPH

PH EMBASSY IN SEOUL WELCOMES NATIONAL DEFENSE COLLEGE OF THE PHILIPPINES MNSA CANDIDATES TO KOREA

24 June 2024, Seoul. The Philippine Embassy in Seoul welcomed students of the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP) under the MA in National Security Administration (MNSA) Programs and Executive Course Program to the chancery on 24 June 2024. The NDCP group visited the Republic of Korea from 23 to 28 June 2024 as part of their foreign travel and their Global Security and Development Study (GSDS) program.

Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Theresa Dizon-De Vega welcomed the NDCP class to the chancery and highlighted the importance of security and defense cooperation in the long-standing and enduring partnership of the Philippines and the Republic of Korea. Third Secretary and Vice Consul Reisha Olavario also briefed the students on the 75 year partnership of the Philippines and the Republic of Korea, including its current priorities, the security situation in the region, and challenges and opportunities in the defense and security sector. A short Q&A followed where the students’ interest in the maturing defense procurement partnership of PH and ROK was highlighted. The Philippine Embassy sought the MNSA students’ support in strengthening military-to-military relations between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea in every aspect. In order to appreciate the different branches of government in the ROK, the Philippine Embassy also arranged a tour of the plenary chamber of the National Assembly for the delegates.

The GSDS program provided the opportunity for MNSA Regular Class 59 and Executive Class to observe the political, economic, socio-cultural, techno-scientific, environmental, and military dynamics of the Republic of Korea through meetings with various organizations including the ROK Ministry of National Defense (MND), the Korean Coast Guard (KCG), and the Korea National Defense University (KNDU). The MNSA Regular Class 59, is composed of sixty-five (65) students from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Foreign Armed Forces, and supported by 6 staff members of NDCP and 1 observer from the Department of National Defense. There were likewise foreign students and members of the Executive Class of the NDCP composed of senior government officials. The group was led by NPDC’s Vice President & Dean Dr. Alan A Lachica who completed his Ph.D. in International Studies (major in International Relations) from Sogang University in Seoul.

The Philippine Embassy in Seoul is pleased to contribute to the program’s foreign travel component, as the MNSA course under the NDCP is an esteemed and well-known graduate studies program for officials working in the Philippine national security sector. The foreign travel to the Republic of Korea provides the MNSA candidates an enhanced perspective as officers and enlisted personnel of the AFP responsible for shaping the future national security policies of the Philippines. END

PHL SUPREME COURT I.T. OFFICE AND OFFICE OF SPECIAL ENVOY FOR DIGITIZATION CONDUCT FOLLOW-THROUGH BENCHMARK STUDIES

26 June 2024, Seoul. The Supreme Court of the Philippines-Management Information Systems Office (MISO) embarked on an official visit to the Republic of Korea’s Supreme Court IT Center and Seoul Central District Court to conduct follow-through benchmark studies on potential digitization programs for the Philippine judicial system.

The delegation, led by Atty. Jed Sherwin G. Uy, who serves as the MISO Chief of Office and head technology officer of the Philippine Judiciary, engaged in discussions at the IT Center on escalation and service support systems needed by Philippine trial courts when implementing digitization programs. They also discussed operational requirements needed to support a robust IT system, including infrastructural requirements essential for supporting massive data storage needs. This aspect is crucial for the Philippine Judiciary, which aims to transition to a digital platform capable of handling extensive volumes of legal data securely and efficiently.

The visit also included a demonstration of Korea’s integrated eCourt system in the Seoul Central District Court. This court management system exemplifies cutting-edge judicial technology, incorporating features designed to streamline court processes, improve case management, and enhance overall judicial efficiency.

The meetings and demonstrations were part of a series of follow-throughs intended to assist the Supreme Court of the Philippines in implementing its Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027. The plan is a cornerstone of the judiciary's efforts to digitize court processes across over 2,500 trial courts throughout the Philippines. By adopting and integrating advanced technological solutions, the Philippine judiciary aims to significantly enhance its operational efficiency, transparency, and accessibility.

The Philippine Embassy in Seoul, represented by Vice Consul Jill De Dumo-Cornista, facilitated the meetings and supported the delegation, together with the representative from the Office of the Special Envoy for Digitization Mr. Dennis Anthony Uy, Atty. Frank Abalos. Both offices continue to leverage international cooperation in advancing judicial reforms and harnessing technological advancements for improved public services. END

PH EMBASSY AND FILIPINO COMMUNITY PROMOTE THE PHILIPPINES IN VARIOUS FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

23 June 2024, Seoul – The Philippine Embassy and Filipino Community organizations participated in various multicultural festivals throughout the month of May and June 2024 to promote the Philippines in Korea. 

At the Busan Global Gathering 2024 held on 18 May 2024 at the Busan Cinema Center Outdoor Plaza, the United Fil-Korean Families (UFF) led by its President Ms. Maria Cherry Baek rendered an exhibition of the Filipino martial arts of arnis to the international audience. the Confederation of Ilocano Association Incorporated – Samahang Ilocano (CIAI-SI) and the Asian Food Mart likewise took part. Members of the Diplomatic Corps from Seoul also visited the Philippine food and cultural booths. UFF members clad in their traditional costumes performed the tinikling, while visitors to the booths gamely tried their skills in the traditional bamboo dance. Native handicrafts, popular Filipino cuisine such as, pancit, adobo, lumpia and kakanin (sticky rice sweets/dessert) were offered to the guests and visitors at the booths.

This year’s 2024 Seoul Friendship Festival held from 24 to 26 May 2024 and sponsored by the Seoul Metropolitan Government was held at popular tourist areas of Gwanghwamun Square, Cheonggyecheon Plaza and Cheonggyechon Stream.

Philippine participation at this event likewise included tourism promotions booths, crafts booths, food booths, and traditional Philippine games. Airline tickets to Bohol and Cebu with hotel accommodation were raffled off to the lucky visitors of the booths. Minor prizes, Philippine Department of Tourism souvenirs, Philippine sweets, and fruit juices were also distributed to the crowd. 

The Philippine Embassy represented by Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega who was present at all the major festivals, lauded the combined efforts of the Filipino Communities in these areas as they continue to showcase and share the traditions, culture, and creativity of Filipinos with mainstream Korean society. She also thanked the organizers and officials in Korea for continuing to promote multiculturalism, diversity, and inclusivity, citing the many contributions Filipino and other migrant communities bring to Korea. 

The Philippines participated actively in this year’s edition of the 2024 Seoul Friendship Festival, the largest global cultural event in Seoul, with a World Embassy Zone (Cultural booth) and a World City Tourism Zone (“Love the Philippines” booth operated by PDOT- Korea.

(PHOTO – Top: Philippine Ambassador to Korea Ambassador Ma. Theresa B. Dizon – De Vega delivers her congratulatory message to the Gwangju – Jeonnan Philippine Community. Below: GJPC President Sheryl Diaz and Ambassador Dizon – De Vega, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Attaché Maya Valderrama, OWWA Attaché Nel Chanco with Officers and Members of the FilCom organizations in the Gwangju-Jeonnan region.)

On 26 May 2024, Ambassador Dizon – De Vega attended the Gwangju-Jeonnan Philippine Community Independence Day event. The festival was organized with the support of the Gwangju International Residents Center. 

An introduction to Philippine culture, games and traditions was presented to 2^nd generation Filipino-Koreans and Korean friends in attendance.  A day of Filipino culture, pride and camaraderie was enjoyed among the community organizations in the region spearheaded by GJPC President Ms. Sheryl Diaz. 

(PHOTOS - Various Filipino Community organizations in the Gwangju-Jeonnan region of Korea were well-represented in the Philippine Independence Day event.)

On 02 June 2024, Philippine representation was likewise on full display at the 17^th World People’s Day in Pyeongtaek City, where traditional dances were performed by members of the Pyeongtaek Migrant Filipino Community for about 2,000 Korean and international visitors who attended the festival.

The Philippines garnered the top prize of 500,000 Korean won in the stage performance category. The festival was organized under the auspices of the Pyeongtaek Migrant Welfare Center where Filipina Ms. Rowena Laconsay – Han is a consultant and translator.

Mr. Francis Jerome Tan, President of the Philippine Migrant Filipino Community, oversaw the festivities of the Filipino community which included a mini basketball tournament, food booths, an international cuisine contest, and a cultural performance composed of officers and members of the PMWC.

The Philippine Embassy booth headed by Vice Consul and Third Secretary Jillliane De Dumo – Cornista together with Consular Assistant Jayson Amboy provided consular services and ATN and consular related information to its clients. Cultural Officer Anthony Cornista organized a cultural booth showcasing various local handicrafts.

Vice Consul De Dumo – Cornista also delivered a congratulatory message on behalf of Ambassador Theresa Dizon – De Vega. END