GOVPH

BRP DIEGO SILANG LAUNCHES IN SOUTH KOREA

Ulsan, Republic of Korea - The Philippine Embassy in Korea, led by Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega, took part in the official launching of the Philippine Navy’s second 3,200-ton frigate BRP Diego Silang at the Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) headquarters in Ulsan on 27 March 2025. DND, AFP, and ROK government officials were on hand to witness the ceremony.

DND Undersecretary Salvador Melchor Mison Jr. expressed his gratitude to the HHI for the timely expansion of the corvette and the importance of the BRP Diego Silang in achieving Philippine goals of enhancing capabilities and deterrence. Undersecretary Mison also looked forward to working with HHI on other sectors in sustainable defense cooperation, including beefing up materiel and enhancing the special skills of the navy through maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) initiatives.

AFP Chief of Staff Romeo Brawner Jr., Philippine Navy Flag Officer-in-Command Vice Admiral Jose Ezpeleta, were also present during the ceremony. The BRP Diego Silang was sponsored by Mrs. Ma. Socorro Mison. 

HHI CEO Lee Sang Kyun also graced the activity where he expressed appreciation for the trust accorded by the Philippine government to Korea and its companies like HHI to become partners of the Philippine Navy in modernization. The HHI CEO also reaffirmed their commitment to continued partnership in PH Horizon IIII expansion projects.

During the ceremonial launch, Ambassador Dizon-De Vega reflected on the long-standing history of the Philippines and the Republic of Korea in defense cooperation, and referred to the launch as a manifestation of our close partnership. She likewise cited the importance of a sustainable and dynamic defense cooperation, through the advance delivery of defense assets and the unwavering commitment of partners in the ROK in helping the Philippines achieve its defense modernization goals in a timely manner. 

Launched at the tail-end of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea, the BRP Diego Silang is a reminder of both our nations’ strong and enduring strategic partnership and our commitment to defense cooperation. It also symbolizes the Philippines and the Republic of Korea’s strong commitment to upholding a rules-based international order and preserving regional peace and stability, as it significantly enhances Philippine naval capabilities.

Equipped with advanced weapons and radar systems, the BRP Diego Silang, like its sister ship BRP Miguel Malvar, is part of the Philippine Navy’s 28 billion PHP modernization contract with Hyundai Heavy Industries signed in 2021. The newly launched Diego Silang will undergo outfitting and sea trials before being delivered to the Philippine Navy in September 2025. END

PHL EMBASSY CONDUCTS FIELD PRE-VOTING ENROLLMENT ACTIVITY IN GEOJE

6 April 2025, Seoul. As part of its efforts to increase accessibility and encourage voter participation, the Philippine Embassy in Seoul conducted a Field Pre-Voting Enrollment (PVE) Activity in Geoje from April 5 to 6, 2025. The outreach aimed to bring voter registration services closer to Overseas Filipinos in the southern region of Korea, particularly in Geoje Island.

During the Field PVE, the Embassy rendered assistance to a total of 31 Overseas Filipinos, including several community leaders whose participation is expected to help cascade vital electoral information throughout their respective Filipino communities. To ensure broader awareness and facilitate the enrollment process, the Embassy also distributed printed materials containing important dates for the 2025 National and Local Elections and a step-by-step guide to the PVE.

All registered and active Overseas Voters must complete the pre-voting enrollment until 07 May 2025 only, as required to verify their identity and ensure their access to the Online Voting and Counting System (OVCS) or online voting during the official Overseas Voting period which will open on 13 April 2025, 8:00 AM KST, and close on 12 May 2025, 8:00 PM KST.

Before the official start of the 30-day period of online Overseas Voting, those who have pre-enrolled can do Test Voting to familiarize themselves with the system. However, this feature of the OVCS is available only until 12 April 2025.

The Embassy is expected to continue with the Field PVE and Online Voting Outreach in Daegu on April 12-13; Busan and Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia from April 19-20; Gyeonggi-do from April 26-27; and Hyehwadong, Seoul on May 4, 2025. We encourage Filipinos who are registered for overseas voting to exercise their right to vote. END

PHL EMBASSY, ZONTA CLUB OF CENTRAL TUGUEGARAO AND IBP CAGAYAN CHAPTER CONDUCT LEGAL CARAVAN SA SOUTH KOREA: SEMINAR AT LIBRENG LEGAL CONSULTATION

Seoul, 30 March 2025 — In celebration of National Women’s Month, the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, in partnership with the Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao and Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) – Cagayan Chapter, conducted an in-person legal literacy seminar entitled “Legal Caravan Sa South Korea: Seminar at Libreng Legal Consultation” on March 30, 2025 at the Sentro Rizal Hall.

In her opening remarks, Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega emphasized that the legal caravan seeks to empower Overseas Filipinos—especially marriage migrants in the Republic of Korea—by strengthening their legal literacy on vital issues, including women’s and children’s rights. She urged participants to make full use of the opportunity to engage with legal experts, address their specific concerns, and, in doing so, help protect both their individual rights and of their communities.

Among the featured speakers were Atty. Mila Catabay-Lauigan, who presented on Family Law and Marriage Regulations, emphasizing the rights and obligations of spouses; Atty. Milagros Fernan-Cayosa, who discussed the classification of children and child and spousal support; Atty. Keisha Lauigan, who tackled issues related to testamentary and intestate succession; Atty. Cecilia Melad-Lazaro, who addressed legal concerns surrounding cyber libel; and Honorable Justice Raymond Lauigan of the Court of Appeals, who shared his expertise on property relations between spouses.

Following the morning lecture series, the Philippine Embassy conducted a Legal Aid Clinic in the afternoon. This session allowed participants to receive one-on-one consultations with the speakers. To make the event more accessible, legal questions were also gathered in advance through the Embassy’s Facebook page and addressed during the open forum and consultations.

Also present at the activity were Deputy Chief of Mission and Consul General Romulo Victor M. Israel, Jr., Third Secretary and Vice Consul Jill De Dumo-Cornista; and Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao officers Ms. Josefina T. Sedano, Ms. Theresa B. Dimalanta; and Ms. Ludivina T. Aguiam-Potot.

The Philippine Embassy conveyed its sincere appreciation to the Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao and IBP Cagayan Chapter, for their commitment to supporting the Filipino community in Korea. The legal caravan may be viewed at the Philippine Embassy’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/share/v/198vQpYDVZ/ and https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AJsFFe9UX/. END