GOVPH

MS. KATHERINE CORTEZA, ITAEWON GLOBAL VILLAGE CENTER DIRECTOR, AWARDED SEOUL HONORARY CITIZENSHIP

8 December 2023, Seoul. Ms. Katherine Corteza, Director of the Itaewon Global Village Center (IGVC), was conferred the prestigious 2023 Seoul Honorary Citizenship Award by the Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) represented by Mayor Oh Se-hoon, on 8 December 2023. In attendance during the ceremony was Philippine Ambassador to South Korea Theresa Dizon-De Vega, Third Secretary and Vice Consul Jilliane De Dumo-Cornista, Labor Attache Ma. Celeste M. Valderrama, Mr. Kim Eun Sook, and IGVC Officer Ms. Grace Heo.

The SMG acknowledged Ms. Corteza's unwavering dedication and exceptional contributions to cultural understanding and community integration within the international enclave of Itaewon. She was also cited for her exemplary leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she advocated for a special vaccination schedule for foreign workers who were unable to take leave from work, which resulted in the Center holding vaccination programs for foreign residents in Seoul with the support of the SMG and Yongsan-gu Office.

Ambassador Dizon-De Vega said that the Embassy nominated Ms. Corteza for her outstanding contributions to the community and her unwavering dedication to promoting multiculturalism and the well-being of foreign residents in Korea. She also hoped that Ms. Corteza’s recognition would not only celebrate her achievements, but also inspire others to follow in her footsteps.

Ms. Corteza's recognition aligns with Seoul's long-standing tradition of bestowing honorary citizenship upon foreign nationals contributing significantly to the city's development. Since its inception in 1958, more than 900 individuals from 100 countries have received this honor. The 15 individuals selected in 2023, including Ms. Corteza, exemplify dedication to community welfare and assistance to foreign nationals, playing pivotal roles in Seoul's growth. Honorary citizens are invited to key city events and participate in administrative decision-making that fosters mutual cooperation between Seoul and its diverse community of global citizens. END

Embassy Holds Event for Non-Resident Ambassadors to the Philippines

13 December 2023, Seoul. The Philippine Embassy in Seoul hosted an evening reception for non-resident Ambassadors to the Philippines based in the Republic of Korea to renew ties and to welcome newly-accredited envoys who presented their credentials in the Philippines in 2023.

Their Excellencies Ambassador Kathos Jibao Mattai of Sierra Leone, Ambassador Dessie Dalkie Dukamo of Ethiopia, and Ambassador Ricardas Šlepavičius of Lithuania with Mme Daiva Slepaviciene and Paraguay Chargé d’Affaires Perla Garcia Cristaldo joined the activity and each shared their thoughts about the unique relations between their respective countries and the Philippines in special messages throughout the evening. The Dean of the Diplomatic corps in Korea Gabon Ambassador Carlos Victor Boungou, also a non-resident Ambassador to the Philippines, was away on official business and unable to join the reception.

In her welcome remarks, Philippine Ambassador Theresa Dizon-de Vega spoke of major developments in the Philippines engagement with the different countries represented that evening, introduced key officials of the Philippine Embassy and asked the envoys to “consider us your link to the Philippines and as your ready partners in fostering closer ties and relations”.

Videos of Philippine tourism destinations were shown during the evenings while the guests enjoyed a dinner of popular Philippine dishes. END

AMBASSADOR DIZON-DE VEGA DELIVERS SPECIAL LECTURE ON CLIMATE AND GENDER THROUGH THE PHILIPPINES’ HUMAN SECURITY LENS AT SOONGSIL UNIVERSITY

04 December 2023, Seoul. Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea H.E. Theresa Dizon-De Vega served as the distinguished speaker during the Global Leaders Forum held in Soongsil University Seoul campus on 29 November 2023.

In her talk entitled “Climate and Gender through the Philippines’ Human Security Lens”, Ambassador Dizon-De Vega underscored the adverse effects of climate change on women and girls. She underscored the nexus between human security, climate, and gender as critical elements to ensure security, prosperity and sustainability for all. The Ambassador also shared the Philippines’ experience and responses to climate issues as well as important strategies in addressing gender challenges arising from climate change.

Dr. Beomsik Jang, President together with Dr. Ju-Young Park, Vice President and Dr. Sumi Jeon, Dean of the Office of External Affairs of Soongsil University expressed appreciation to Ambassador Dizon-De Vega for delivering the lecture to Soongsil University students as this enhance their understanding and is a practical way to further develop bilateral engagement between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea. END