GOVPH

PHILIPPINE EMBASSY HOLDS FIRST FACE-TO-FACE KYRR SEMINAR ON RIGHTS OF FILIPINO WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN SOUTH KOREA

Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega; resource persons and participants at the KYRR

27 November 2022, Seoul. The Philippine Embassy conducted its first face-to-face seminar since the pandemic under the Know Your Rights and Responsibilities Seminar Series on the topic of “Rights of Filipino Women and Children in South Korea” on 19 November 2022 at the Seoul Global Center.

In her opening remarks, Ambassador Ma. Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega said that South Korea is one of the top destinations for Filipino marriage migrants all over the world. She believes that it is important for the Philippine Embassy to work with marriage migrants, counselors, and Filipino community leaders alike to re-orient them on the South Korean culture on marriage, and equip them with the knowledge necessary for dealing with critical issues, including divorce, child custody, and domestic violence. Ambassador Dizon-De Vega likewise shared that the activity was also intended to be a networking session for both marriage migrants and Filipino counselors and Korean experts to get to know each other, share stories and experiences, and render wise advice to each other.  

Attended by nearly 50 participants both online and offline, the seminar featured experts who discussed various aspects of multicultural family life in South Korea, including the Filipino-Korean Heritage Association’s President and former member of the Korean National Assembly, Ms. Jasmine Lee, on ROK policies on multicultural families; the Filipino-Korea Spouses Association’s President, Ms. Fe Gimarino-Kim, on experiences of multicultural families; Windows of Asia NGO’s Public Interest Lawyer, Atty. Eun Hye Lee, on Korean laws against domestic violence; Korea Legal Aid Corporation’s Head of Legal Assistance, Atty. Wi Seung Yong, on Korean laws on divorce, child custody, and child support; Advocates of Public Interest Law’s Atty. Soo-yeon Jun on Korean laws against trafficking; and the Migrant Women’s Right Center’s Deputy Director, Ms. Hyejeong Kim, on the marriage migrant support system in South Korea.

The seminar was held in commemoration of the International Month for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Children and in observance of the Philippines’ 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women, an advocacy campaign observed annually by the Republic of the Philippines as mandated by Proclamation 1172 s. 2006. The seminar was also held in furtherance of the Embassy’s Gender and Development program. 

Filipinos in Korea experiencing domestic violence and abuse may seek the Philippine Embassy’s assistance by contacting its Assistance-to-Nationals hotline at +8210-9263-8119 or our Emergency Hotline at +8210-9365-2312. END

PHILIPPINE EMBASSY PARTICIPATES IN ASEAN WEEK 2022 “ANCIENT FUTURES: TREASURES OF ASEAN FABRIC”

22 November 2022, Seoul – The Philippine Embassy participated in the ASEAN WEEK 2022 “Ancient Futures: Treasures of ASEAN Fabric” exhibition hosted by the ASEAN-Korea Centre (AKC) and showcased Cordillera textile and fabrics from the personal collection of Ambassador Theresa Dizon- De Vega.

In a statement on the exhibition, the Ambassador added, ”Every single weave from the Cordillera region of the Philippines tells the story of its people and its indigenous traditions, incorporating the natural landscapes, flora, fauna, colors, and beliefs of this area and its communities.  Its patterns are part of a precious tradition passed on through generations.  This is a unique gift which we hope will continue to thrive and be an instrument in connecting the Cordillera region to the rest of the world.”

The exhibition highlighted the shared values in arts and culture between ASEAN and Korea through their diverse textiles and fabrics.

In addition, the AKC also collaborated with Happy Design House, a popular Korean lifestyle magazine, for a photo feature of each ASEAN Ambassador.  The Philippine photo story showcases Cordillera textiles and other indigenous Philippine weaves worn by Ambassador Dizon-De Vega and will be featured in the December issue of the magazine.

Present at the exhibition opening were Consul General Romulo Israel and Cultural Officer Anthony Cornista. END

PH AMBASSADOR RECEIVES “BEST AMBASSADOR AWARD” FROM KOREA CONSUMER GLOBAL COUNCIL

16 November 2022, Seoul – Philippine Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega received the “Best Ambassador Award” conferred by the Korea Consumer Global Council (KCGC) at the Korea Consumer Brand Awards 2022 on 15 November 2022 at the Korea Press Center. Other envoys recognized by the KCGC include Honduran Ambassador Virgilio Paredes Trapero, the current Dean of the Latin American Ambassadors Group, Eygptian Ambassador Khaled Abdel Rahman, and Algerian Ambassador Mohammed Bensabri. National Assembly member Kim Yeungshik for his advocacy for building strong Korean brands.

The award conferred annually is given to Ambassadors with a record of active engagement with Korean counterparts in various areas of cooperation and in further deepening bilateral ties between Korea and the international community. Ambassador Dizon-De Vega was cited for her work in promoting closer Philippines-Korea and ASEAN-Korea relations, working on maritime, defense, economic, political, and cultural initiatives, as well as promoting the welfare of overseas Filipinos in South Korea.

Earlier this year, Ambassador Dizon-De Vega was likewise given the 2022 Friendship Ambassador Award by the Korea Culture and Friendship Association for promoting people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the Philippines and Korea. END