GOVPH

PH AFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO PROLIFERATION SECURITY INITIATIVE AT HIGH-LEVEL POLITICAL MEETING

JEJU, 31 MAY 2023 – Philippine Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Affairs Jesus Ricardo S. Domingo reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) at the High-Level Political Meeting in commemoration of its 20th anniversary.

In a statement delivered before 68-PSI member states including chairs the Republic of Korea, the United States and Australia, Undersecretary Domingo reaffirmed Philippine commitment to work with partners to curb proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery.  

He further highlighted that it is also important to note the risks being posed by new and emerging technologies, including cyber and in outer space, as well as artificial intelligence, as they have the potential to become new weapons of mass destruction.

“President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called for the development of international norms and rules to ensure their responsible and ethical use. Effective governance structures must be developed to temper the power of AI and its potential abuse, and also to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands. These emerging technologies must be used for the common good, and in a manner that protects our common humanity. The Philippines continues to support the goals of the PSI to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their delivery systems,” the Undersecretary said.

The Undersecretary also informed the meeting that the Philippines launched its candidature for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the term 2027-2028. Through the candidature, the Philippines hopes to contribute significantly to the work of the Security Council by sharing our experiences in peace-building and peace processes, and in combating the proliferation of WMD through initiatives such as the PSI. The Philippines also endorsed the Joint Statement of the High-Level Political Meeting. END

PH EMBASSY PARTICIPATES IN ASEAN MARKET 2023

07 June 2023, Busan, ROK. The Philippines participated in the ASEAN Market 2023 from 03 to 04 June 2023 in Busan, Republic of Korea. Showcasing local products from each ASEAN nation, the annual event is hosted by the Korea Foundation – ASEAN Culture House (KF-ACH).

The Philippine booth proudly displayed tourism materials promoting popular Philippine destinations such as Clark, Manila, Cebu, Palawan, Bohol, and Boracay. Guests were also introduced to the DOT’s Bisita, Be My Guest (BBMG) Program, a promotional campaign which seeks to incentivize Filipinos, especially Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) and Overseas Filipinos (OFs) to invite foreigners to visit the Philippines for which they have a chance to win vacation tour packages to select Philippine destinations.

As Philippine liquor is popular in Korea, guests enjoyed a sampling of Lakan, a handcrafted coconut liquor (lambanog) manufactured by Philippine Craft Distillers, Inc., Mango Rum Liqueur made with premium aged rum and world-renowned Philippine Mangoes by Destileria Limtuaco & Co., and Sol’s Lespresso, a coffee flavored liqueur also from the Philippines.

Other products guests were able to enjoy in the PH booth were Kape Danlayan ground coffee, dried mangoes, Eng Seng Food Products durian chips, Planters Produce pineapple chips, Filchip’s banana chips, Croley Foods orange-flavored sunflower crackers, M.Y. San Fita crackers, Mama Sita’s Anghang Sarap vinegars, L&S Bangus in Oil, Potter’s Hand Burong Isda, Burong Hipon and Garlic Chili paste, Kristina’s pickled radish, and Sangkutsa Food Products Inc’s pickled mango and mango salsa. END

PH Legislative Committees on Government Reorganization and Public Works and Highways Conduct Benchmarking Study Visit on Water Development Systems in ROK

(Left photos) PH HOR Members Rep. Ron P. Salo, Rep. Romeo S. Momo, Sr., Rep. Loreto B. Acharon, Rep. Jose C. Alvarez, NIA Administrator Eduardo Eddie Guillen, PH Ambassador to the Republic of Korea H.E. Theresa Dizon-De Vega and Third Secretary and Vice Consul Reisha L. Olavario met with K-Water officials headed by Vice President Mr. Lee Woo Seok. (Right photos) PH delegation’s facility visit at the Daecheong Multi-purpose Dam.

31 May 2023, Seoul, ROK. The Philippines’ House of Representatives (HOR) Committees on Government Reorganization and Committee on Public Works and Highways conducted a benchmarking mission on water development systems and water resource management in the Republic of Korea from 22 to 26 May 2023. The mission is in relation to the proposed creation of a Department of Water Resources (DWR) in the Philippines.

HOR Members Rep. Ron P. Salo, Rep. Romeo S. Momo, Sr., Rep. Loreto B. Acharon and Rep. Jose C. Alvarez were joined by Acting NIA Administrator Eduardo Eddie Guillen, HOR committee secretariat and technical officers and a team from the Philippine Embassy in Korea led by Ambassador Theresa Dizon-de Vega took part in the mission. 

The delegation visited the K Water Headquarters located in Daejeon where they had a productive discussion on best practices in water management with K Water officials led by its Vice President Mr. Lee Woo Seok. After the meeting, the delegation had a site visit to the K Water Integrated Water Resources Control Center and the Daecheong Multi-purpose Dam. 

While in Seoul, the delegation visited the Guui Arisu Water Purification Center, one of the six water purification centers operated by the Seoul Waterworks Authority (SWA). SWA take pride of its tap water brand “Arisu” which undergoes strict water purification process to supply safe drinking tap water to about 10 million residents of Seoul. In 2016, SWA received a certification ISO 22000: 2005 under Food Safety Management System for tap water category, a first for the Republic of Korea.

The delegation also visited the Seoul Sewerage Science Museum (SSSM) located in the Jungnang Sewage Treatment Plant to learn best practices on Seoul metropolitan-wide waste water treatment and sewerage management. 

On the sidelines of the benchmarking study visit, the PH Representatives paid a courtesy call on Rep. Kim Sung-won, member of the ROK National Assembly and President of the Korea-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Group. END