The Official Website of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, Korea

KOREAN LANGUAGE VERSION OF ASEAN CENTRALITY: AN AUTOETHNOGRAPHIC ACCOUNT BY A PHILIPPINE DIPLOMAT NOW AVAILABLE

Top: In celebration of the publication of the ASEAN Centrality: An Autoethnographic Account by a Philippine Diplomat, ASEAN-Korea Center Secretary General Kim Hae-yong, Ambassador Elizabeth Buensuceso, Ambassador Ma. Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega, with the other Officials of the ASEAN-Korea Centre, held a lunch meeting at Barbara’s Heritage in Manila on 2 February 2024. Bottom: ASEAN Centrality book is available in Kyobo Bookstore and other major bookstores across Korea.

2 February 2024 – The Philippine Embassy in Seoul is pleased to announce the publication and translation of the book entitled ASEAN Centrality: An Autoethnographic Account by a Philippine Diplomat written by H.E. Elizabeth Buensuceso, currently Eminent Person to the High-Level Task Force of the ASEAN Post-2025 Vision and Foreign Affairs Adviser of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, into the Korean language by the ASEAN-Korea Centre.

Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Theresa Dizon-De Vega witnessed the turnover of the book between ASEAN Secretary General Kim Haeyoung and author Ambassador Elizabeth P. Buensuceso on 2 February 2024 in Manila, Philippines.

“With the Korean translation of the book, we hope more Korean readers can better understand the significant contributions of ASEAN to international relations and the importance of engaging ASEAN nations, including the Philippines, to attain shared goals of regional peace and stability in the years to come,” the Ambassador said.

The translation project contributes to a better understanding of ASEAN Centrality and promotes the development of ASEAN-Republic of Korea relations by giving the general reader deeper insights into ASEAN as a regional organization and the dynamics of the Indo-Pacific region. The translated book also offers Korean readers an opportunity to fully appreciate how ASEAN as an organization has contributed to regional peace and stability over the decades.

The book provides the importance of engaging the region with ASEAN Centrality at its core and shares the necessary skills and wisdom on the principles, mechanisms, processes, and issues in ASEAN from the point of view of one of the Philippines’ most reputable diplomats.

The Korean language edition is one of the projects of the ASEAN Korea Centre to commemorate the 35th year of the ASEAN-Korea Dialogue Partnership.

For Korean readers, the ASEAN Centrality: An Autoethnographic Account by a Philippine Diplomat is available for purchase both in digital and paperback formats in bookstores across the country. END

For Korean readers:

아세안 중심성(ASEAN Centrality): 필리핀 외교관 엘리자베스 부엔수세소(Elizabeth Buensuceso) 대사의 책이 한아세안센터 한국어 번역을 거쳐 광화문 교보문고에서 선보이고 있다. 대한민국 내 서점에서 인쇄본과 e-북 형태로 만나볼 수 있다.

PR MTD 11 2024 2

PH Embassy Supports Launch of Korean Version of “Doing Business in the Philippines”

29 January 2024, Seoul. The Philippine Embassy in Seoul represented by Ambassador Theresa Dizon-de Vega took part in the launch on 16 January 2024 of the latest version in the Korean language of “Doing Business in the Philippines” published by Sycip, Gorres, Velayo and Company.

The Doing Business in the Philippines series of SGV and Co, the leading professional services firm in the Philippines, presents an overview of the Philippine economy, updates on business, industry, labor, tax, and related laws and regulations which are useful for investors. The publication likewise includes updates on trends in various sectors and is available in different languages. The series has branched out since its inception to include Philippine area specific doing business updates.

The Korean language version geared towards the important and robust Korean market includes updates on laws and regulations providing essential information and clarification on the Philippine business and investment ecosystem.

SGV Chairman and CEO Wilson P. Tan in his opening remarks expressed the hope that the new publication will be of assistance to Korean investors already operating in the Philippines and encourage potential investors to set up shop in the country.

Ambassador Dizon-de Vega welcomed the launch of the latest Korean language edition noting that it comes at an opportune time as the Philippines and Korea mark 75 years of diplomatic relations on March 3, 2024. She shared that the prospects for greater economic engagement are expected with the recent signing of the Philippines-Korea Free Trade Agreement.

Former Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs and currently SGV Senior Adviser Ambassador Delia Domingo-Albert spoke about the close ties between the Philippines and Korea and the potential to bring the relationship to greater heights through increased business partnerships.

Also present at the launch were Special Envoy for Digitalization for Korea Dennis Anthony Uy, Philippines-Korea Economic Council (PHILKOREC) President Robert Laurel Yupangco, Korean Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (KCCP) President Hyun Chong (Joseph) Um, and representatives from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines and the Department of Foreign Affairs. END

PH EMBASSY HIGHLIGHTS FTA AND NEW OPPORTUNITIES IN INVESTMENTS AT SPECIALIZED PANEL HOSTED BY THE ECONOMIST

PTIC-Seoul Commercial Counselor Jose Ma. Dinsay (second from right) participated in the specialized panel hosted by The Economist Group on 24 January 2024 at the Conrad Hotel in Seoul.

30 January 2024, Seoul – The Philippine Embassy through its commercial counselor Mr. Jose Ma. Dinsay participated in a specialized panel hosted by The Economist to discuss the growing importance of rising Asian economies as regional business partners and the opportunities this presents for the future of South Korea. The event was limited to senior-level executives and members of the Economist Intelligence Corporate Network.

During the panel discussion, Commercial Counselor Dinsay discussed business opportunities in the Philippines for Korean companies in Electric Vehicles (EV) and EV batteries, mineral processing, electronics, and semiconductors. He also provided an overview of the incentives foreign investors will receive under the Philippines' Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act [CREATE].

The panel also highlighted the new era the signing of the PH-ROK Free Trade Agreement ushers in for business and private enterprises. A new pathway for deeper business and investor collaboration, the signing of the comprehensive and groundbreaking Philippines - Republic of Korea free trade agreement brings many economic advantages to both nations in areas such as the automotive industry, information technology and electronics, smart farms, and the public health sector. Signed on 7 September 2023 at the sidelines of the 43rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia, the PH-ROK FTA will also strengthen ASEAN-ROK economic ties and foster closer cooperation for prosperity in the region. END

PH EMBASSY HOLDS FORUM FOR FILIPINO STUDENTS ON EMPLOYMENT DOCUMENTATION PROCEDURES

Ambassador Ma. Theresa B. Dizon – De Vega delivers the Opening Message during the online forum on “D2 to E-visa: Opportunities and Documentation Requirements for Students Switching to employment visa” on 20 January 2024, held in cooperation with Pinoy Iskolars in Korea (PIKO)

20 January 2024, Seoul – The Philippine Embassy in Seoul and the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) held a special forum entitled “D2 to E-visa: Employment Documentation for Students Switching to Work Visa” on 20 January 2024 via zoom.

The pioneering online forum, which was organized in cooperation with the Pinoy Iskolars in Korea (PIKO), aimed to guide participants in navigating required processes and documentation when transitioning from student to work visa status.

In her opening message, Ambassador Ma. Theresa B. Dizon – De Vega conveyed the importance of keeping abreast and engaged with the changing policies on immigration in the Republic of Korea as well as the Philippine regulations on employment documentation for OFWs. “This seminar is part of the Embassy’s continuing efforts to educate, and by educating and informing, we are empowering our overseas Filipinos including our student sector,” the Ambassador said. Noting that there are a number of Filipino scholars and students who are transitioning, or have already transitioned to working visa status, Ambassador de Vega urged them to be continually informed of key developments and guided by existing regulations.

Vice Consul Jilliane Joyce D. Cornista presented the Policy Development and Opportunities for International Students in Korea, highlighting the directions under the 5-year Immigration Plan of the Korean Government. On the other hand, Labor Attache Ma. Celeste M. Valderrama, together with AS Manolo Barotilla of the MWO discussed the procedures on contract verification and obtaining Overseas Employment Certificates (OEC) for students who already are, or are planning to become OFWs.

In his closing message, PIKO President Kenneth Lagamayo thanked the Philippine Embassy for actively conducting information sessions, seminars, and activities that are responsive to the needs of the overseas Filipino community in South Korea, especially for the students. He re-affirmed the commitment of PIKO to promote the welfare of the overseas Filipino students and continually engage with the Embassy for this purpose. END