GOVPH

PHILIPPINES PARTICIPATES AT THE FIFTH SESSION OF THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL NEGOTIATING COMMITTEE (INC-5) HELD IN BUSAN, REPUBLIC OF KOREA

2 December 2024 - Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea H.E. Theresa Dizon-De Vega was honored to form part of the Philippine delegation participating in the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment held from 25 November to 1 December 2024 in Busan, South Korea. 

Undersecretary for Planning, Policy, and International Affairs Jonas R. Leones of the Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) was head of the Philippine delegation. The Philippines is the only Southeast Asian nation to include a senior official from the Department of Health (represented by Undersecretary Ann Palermo-Maestral) in its delegation, leading the charge for sustainable healthcare in the region. 

The INC-5 was convened for states to agree upon an internationally binding agreement to reduce plastic pollution. It was estimated that 3,500 people attended, including government officials from 170 United Nations member states, 31 international organizations, industry, civic groups, and academia.

During negotiations, the Philippines called for the need to build a pathway towards the global reduction in plastic production at sustainable levels, the need for binding rules on products, chemicals, and design that ensure a globally coordinated approach, and strong international cooperation tied to the means of implementation to close the gaps in financing, technical, technological, and other capacities in developing countries—particularly archipelagic states and other geographically disadvantaged states, among others.

The Philippines also supported a standalone Article on Health, cognizant that a plastic pollution crisis is also a health crisis, and stood in solidarity with the 95 other delegations that call for a strong plastics treaty.

As host, the Republic of Korea enjoined all members to “end plastic pollution before plastic pollution ends us.” The Republic of Korea also highlighted the country’s efforts to tackle plastic waste, such as introducing the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system 20 years ago to reduce waste and increase recycling rates and strengthening the system through the Act on Promotion of Transition to Circular Economy and Society in 2024, while pledging to share these experiences with the global community. ROK Foreign Minister Cho Tae-Yul and Minister of Environment Kim Wansup served as ROK co-chairs of the event. They were joined by around plus 140 officials from the ROK ministries of foreign affairs, environment, trade, industry and energy, and oceans and fisheries.

The fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC5) for a Global Plastics Treaty concluded in Busan on 2 December 2024, with plans for a final negotiation meeting. END

PHL EMBASSY LAUNCHES BOOK DAYO 이 민 자: STORIES OF MIGRATION IN CELEBRATION OF 75 YEARS OF PHL-ROK DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS

2 December 2024, Seoul. The Philippine Embassy in Seoul launched dayo 이민자: Stories of Migration, a commemorative publication marking 75 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and South Korea, on 1 December 2024 in Seoul, South Korea. The book highlights the resilience, aspirations, and contributions of Filipino and Korean migrants, weaving their stories into a compelling narrative that bridges cultural divides and fosters mutual understanding.

The launch followed the International Forum on Migration and was attended by members of the book's Editorial Board led by Editor-in-Chief Erlinda Mae Young, contributors, and forum participants, both in person and online. In her congratulatory message, Ambassador Ma. Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega emphasized the publication’s significance in amplifying migrant voices and deepening the ties between the two nations. She noted that dayo serves as a testament to the shared journeys, experiences, and aspirations that have strengthened the enduring friendship between the Philippines and South Korea.

The book, which is published with an English version on one side and a Korean version on the other, categorizes migration stories into five themes. Community advocates include Filipino and Korean civic workers who embody the spirit of service and cross-cultural collaboration; multicultural builders feature marriage migrants navigating integration, family dynamics, and cultural adaptation, enriching their communities with diverse traditions; industry drivers highlight migrant workers and entrepreneurs who strengthen the economic ties of both countries, while forging deep cultural connections; thought leaders showcase Filipino and Korean students, scholars, and educators who promote academic excellence; and creative champions focus on athletes, artists, and performers whose work transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, uniting people through shared passions.

Among the notable individuals featured in dayo are CFO Bagong Bayani awardees Rodney Queman and Dr. Ariel Bernardo; executive chefs Kibum Park and Belgium Villanueva; entertainers Ryan Bang, Dasuri Choi and HORI7ON; football athlete Gwibeom Nam; Filipino-Korea Spouses Association Founding President Fe Gimarino-Kim; professors Donghyub Kim, Kyungmin Bae and Joel David; student organization Pinoy Iskolars sa Korea; Seoul Honorary Citizen Awardee Katherine Corteza; Chairpersons of Korea Chamber of Commerce Ill-Kyoung Park and Ho Ik Lee; and Korea National Merit Awardee Jae Jung Jang.

Ambassador Dizon-De Vega expressed hope that dayo would foster greater empathy and understanding, and underscore the strong people-to-people cooperation between Philippines and South Korea. As a heartfelt tribute to the migrants who shape the communities they belong to, dayo stands as a testament to the enduring friendship between the two nations, inspiring continued collaboration and mutual respect in the years to come. END

PHL EMBASSY WITH INTER-AGENCY COMMITTEE ON THE CELEBRATION OF MONTH OF OVERSEAS FILIPINOS HOLD INTERNATIONAL FORUM ON MIGRATION IN SOUTH KOREA

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