The Official Website of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, Korea

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

ASEAN Centrality, The Principle of ASEAN Diplomacy: ASEAN-Korea Centre commemorates the 35 th anniversary of ASEAN-Korea Dialogue Relations through the publication of “ASEAN Centrality”

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Philippine Embassy Meets with the Global Green Growth Institute’s Philippine Team

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19 January 2024, Seoul. Philippine Ambassador Theresa Dizon-de Vega called on the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) Country Representative in the Philippines Marcel J. Silvius and the GGGI Philippines Country Team on 15 January 2024 to discuss the progress of the GGGI’s Philippine Country Program and future collaboration on climate and sustainability projects.

Mr. Silvius briefed Ambassador Dizon-de Vega on the ongoing projects in the portfolio as well as plans for further partnership in key areas for cooperation particularly in focus areas such as building a climate resilient agriculture value chain, Solar PV, Green Industries, Climate Action, and Waste Management.

GGGI likewise presented the various projects in the Philippines in the National Capital Region, Bataan, Oriental Mindoro, Palawan, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Islands.

Ambassador Dizon-de Vega thanked the GGGI for its continued active engagement in the Philippines supported by a number of mechanisms such as its partnership with the Climate Change Commission (CCC), MOUs with local government partners, and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). She re-affirmed the Philippines’ commitment to working closely with GGGI on the Philippines transition to towards greater climate resiliency and inclusive green growth. END

EMBASSY COMMEMORATES 127TH MARTYRDOM OF DR. JOSE P. RIZAL

PHOTOS – Above: DFA Undersecretary and Sir Eduardo Jose De Vega, KGOR Commander, Foreign Service Chapter (6^th from left⁾and Sir Romulo Victor Israel, Jr. KCR, Commander, Korea Chapter (5^th from left) with Officers of the Knights of Rizal – Korea Chapter. Below: Ambassador Maria Theresa B. Dizon – De Vega at the Wreath-Laying Ceremony with Sir Eduardo De Vega and Sir Romulo Victor Israel, Jr. and Officers of the Knights of Rizal - Korea Chapter.

A simple yet meaningful ceremony spearheaded by the Knights of Rizal-Korea Chapter commemorating the 127th martyrdom of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, was held at the Philippine Embassy – Sentro Rizal on 30 December 2023.

With the theme “Rizal: Pundasyon ng Kahapon, Isinasabuhay Ngayon”, the solemn early morning rites, which featured a floral offering to the national hero, aimed to pay tribute to his enduring legacy of excellence and patriotism as a cornerstone in building a strong and progressive national identity.

Ambassador Ma. Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega, in her heartfelt message, expressed the profound impact of Rizal's love of country on the nation. She emphasized the living imprint of his heroism and the inspiration it continues to provide to the present generation.

Honored guest Sir Eduardo De Vega, Undersecretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs - Office of Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs, also underscored the significance of Dr. Jose Rizal in the annals of Philippine history. He highlighted Rizal's pivotal role in shaping the nation's destiny and the relevance of the principles he taught, fought, lived and died for in contemporary times. Undersecretary De Vega reminded attendees of the poignant last moments of Rizal, particularly his unwavering commitment to serving the country and his ultimate sacrifice in laying down his life for the freedom and dignity of the Filipino people.

The event also provided an opportunity for the Knights of Rizal-Korea Chapter and attendees from the Embassy and Filipino community to once again recall and reflect on the life, ideals and works of Dr. Jose P. Rizal. It served as a reminder of the responsibility each citizen bears in putting into action the values of love for country, courage, and selfless service for the greater good, to carry on the legacy left behind by the national hero.

The Philippine Embassy will continue to hold national commemorative events in 2024, which also marks the 75^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Republic of the Philippines and the Republic of Korea. END