GOVPH

PH EMBASSY IN SEOUL COMMEMORATES THE 124TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PROCLAMATION OF PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE

12 JUNE 2022, Seoul – The Philippine Embassy in Seoul celebrated the 124^th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence at the Embassy grounds with a series of events starting with a flag-raising ceremony led by Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega with officers and staff of the Embassy and heads of attached services.

In Independence Day message livestreamed via the Embassy’s official Facebook page, Ambassador Dizon–De Vega recalled the heroism and valor not only of the nation’s forebears who secured for the country the gifts of freedom and democracy but also the present-day Filipinos, particularly overseas Filipinos who responded resiliently to the challenges of the more than two-year pandemic. The Ambassador added, “On this special day, as we commemorate our solidarity and our unity as a nation and as a people, I hope that you will all individually take time to reflect upon the legacy of our heroes of the past and present especially our community here in the Republic of Korea, because all of you in your own ways are continuing to rise towards the challenges of a new beginning”.

The Ambassadors' message was followed by the reading of the Independence Day messages from DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez by Commercial Counselor Jose Ma. Dinsay, DND Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana by Defense and Armed Forces Attaché Colonel Enriqueto R. Deocadez Jr, DOLE Secretary Silvestre H. Bello by Labor Attaché Ma. Celeste M. Valderrama, DFA Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. by Consul General Romulo Victor M. Israel and President Rodrigo R. Duterte by Ambassador Dizon - De Vega.

On the same day, Ambassador Dizon-De Vega delivered brief Independence Day Remarks for the Filipino Community at the Filipino mass held at Hyehwa-Dong Catholic Church in Seoul. END

PHILIPPINE AMBASSADOR WELCOMES NEW EPS WORKERS IN THE 2ND POST-ARRIVAL SEMINAR

07 June 202, Seoul. The Philippine Embassy welcomed another batch of Filipino EPS workers who recently arrived in Korea during the 2^nd Post Arrival Orientation Seminar (PAOS) dubbed as “Labor Seminar Para Sa Mga Bagong EPS Workers”. The two-part virtual seminar was held on 29 May and 05 June 2022 and attended by around 250 workers.

In her Welcome Message, Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega once again affirmed the Embassy’s commitment to ensuring the welfare of EPS workers who have waited for a long time to be deployed in Korea due to the pandemic. “We have customized this special orientation program for you. We will not only discuss the labor laws in Korea, but all the support services available to you from the Philippine and Korean governments and the Filipino community. We also have a special session wherein you will be able to firm up your goals and financial plans because we believe these are key to your successful journey as EPS workers,” the Ambassador said.

In Part 1 of the seminar held on 29 May 2022, the new EPS workers were apprised by Consul General Romulo Victor Israel Jr., Welfare Officer Aniceta Deuna and AS Manny Barotilla on the services and programs rendered by the Philippine Embassy and POLO OWWA for OFWs. Guest labor attorney Sue Hee Kim then explained the provisions of the employment contract and explained Korean laws on hours of work, leave, wages, social protection and separation.

In Part 2, held on 05 June 2022, the virtual seminar discussed practical ways on how to make their employment and stay in Korea gainful and productive. Mr. Ernie Docot, an EPS worker for 10 years and a FilCom leader from the Gwangju, Jeollanamdo Philippine Community, encouraged participants to continuously learn new skills, adjust to Korean work ethics, participate in FilCom activities, and avoid vices and scams. This was followed by a workshop on setting one’s personal goals facilitated by Labor Attaché Maria Celeste Valderrama, and a discussion on Financial Planning which was handled by Professor Joeffrey M. Calimag. Pag-IBIG Member Services Officer James Lumantas talked about how OFWs can maximize the compulsory and voluntary savings under MP2.

To help the workers navigate their new environment, Director Katherine Ann Corteza of the Itaewon Global Village Center presented the services and contact information of Korea’s support centers for foreign workers which offer, among others, free language and skills training, and counseling on labor, immigration, and police matters. Consul General Romulo Victor Israel Jr. concluded the seminar by inviting the new workers to choose and be involved in the various Filipino Community Organizations which also lend support to all Filipinos living and working in South Korea.

“Napakalaking tulong po itong seminar na ito sa amin. Nabago po ang aming kaisipan, at naunawaan ang kahalagahan ng mga serbisyo at pagpaplano sa simula pa lamang”, one of the participants wrote. 

The Philippine Embassy, through the Philippine Overseas Labor Office – OWWA, will hold the 3^rd PAOS for succeeding new EPS workers in October 2022. -END-

PH Congratulates and Re-affirms Support for GGGI on its 10th Anniversary

Amb. De Vega and GGGI President and Chair Ban Ki-Moon offer remarks at the GGGI 10^th anniversary in Seoul

13 June 2022, Seoul – Philippine Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega was one of the invited speakers at the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) 10^th anniversary event held at the GGGI Headquarters in Seoul, Korea on 09 June 2022.

The GGGI is a treaty-based international, inter-governmental organization which aims to support and promote strong, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth in developing and emerging economies.

GGGI Chair and President former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon in his keynote remarks expressed appreciation to the GGGI member countries and other partners for being steadfast in their support for the organization’s programs. Chair Ban reiterated his call for Climate Action and hoped that with pandemic recovery high on the priority list of countries and the private sector, it will be a movement towards a greener and better normal.

As one of two representatives of member countries invited to speak at the event, Ambassador Dizon-De Vega lauded GGGI on its work in supporting the realization of the SDGs, especially on climate resilience and green growth development strategies. Ambassador Dizon-De Vega also mentioned a pioneering GGGI project in Oriental Mindoro which empowers Filipino women to be drivers of climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable micro-enterprise.

Other speakers at the event were 2^nd Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of ROK Lee Do Hoon, GGGI DG Dr. Frank Rijsberman, Denmark Climate Change Ambassador Thomas Anke Christensen, Jeju Research Institute President Dr. Kim Sang-Hyop, Ambassador Daniel Matute Mejia of Peru. END