GOVPH

PHL EMBASSY ADMINISTERS OATH TO OFFICERS OF ASSOCIATION OF FILIPINO EDUCATORS IN KOREA AND DAEGU FILIPINO COMMUNITY COUNCIL-NONGONG

25 May 2025, Seoul. The Philippine Embassy, led by Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega, recognized and administered the oath-taking of the officers of two (2) Filipino community organizations, namely: the Association of Filipino Educators in Korea (AFEK) and Daegu Filipino Community Council-Nongong (DFCC-Nongong). The latter organization was also awarded their Certificate of Registration, which symbolizes and reaffirms their commitment to help protect and promote the general welfare and interests of the Filipino community.

Ambassador Dizon-De Vega warmly welcomed the officers of AFEK and DFCC-Nongong to the Philippine Embassy and into the broader Filipino community network in South Korea. She commended both groups for taking the initiative to organize and formally join the ranks of recognized Filipino organizations, emphasizing the importance of collective action and mutual support among overseas Filipinos.

The Ambassador reaffirmed the Embassy’s continued commitment to working closely with Filipino community groups to ensure that initiatives on migrant welfare, cultural promotion, and reintegration are inclusive, impactful, and attuned to the realities faced by Filipinos living and working in South Korea.

Witnessing the recognition and oath-taking were Deputy Head of Mission and Consul General Edwin Gil Q. Mendoza, Vice Consul Jill De Dumo-Cornista, and MWO-Seoul OIC Manolo Barotilla.

The Philippine Embassy continues to accept new registration, renewal, or administration of oaths for the induction of newly elected officers of Filipino community organizations in South Korea. For more information, please visit http://www.philembassy-seoul.com/filipino_community.asp. END

PHL EMBASSY EXPLORES COOPERATION WITH SEOUL GLOBAL CENTER TO SUPPORT FILIPINO NATIONALS IN SEOUL

21 May 2025, Seoul. Deputy Head of Mission and Consul General Edwin Gil Q. Mendoza met with representatives of the Seoul Global Center (SGC) on 22 April 2025 to discuss potential areas of cooperation between the Philippine Embassy and the Center in support of the Filipino community and other foreign residents in Seoul.

The Seoul Global Center delegation was composed of Ms. Mihyun Go (Elena), Manager of the Settlement Support Team; Ms. Song Hee, Team Leader of the Settlement Support Team; and Mr. Kwon Bo Geun, Director of the Seoul Global Center. The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange ideas on possible joint initiatives that would enhance the welfare and integration of Filipino nationals and other foreign residents in the Republic of Korea. Also present in the meeting was ATN Officer Ms. Fatima Tabio and MWO-Seoul’s representative Apolonio Alvarez, Jr.

Discussions covered a range of collaborative efforts, including career planning and support for Filipino students studying in Korea, the conduct of educational seminars for foreign residents, and the co-hosting of cultural events that promote multicultural understanding. The two parties also explored opportunities for business consultation services for Filipino entrepreneurs, as well as the implementation of welfare programs focusing on psychological and mental health support for migrants.

Both sides expressed mutual interest in strengthening coordination and fostering inclusive programs aimed at empowering the migrant community. The Philippine Embassy looks forward to further engagement with the Seoul Global Center in the shared goal of promoting the well-being of Filipinos in South Korea. END

KAPE SA KOREA BRINGS FILIPINO COFFEE CULTURE TO SEOUL

23 May 2025, Seoul - In celebration of Filipino food month, the Philippine Embassy in Seoul brought the warmth and richness of Philippine Coffee to Korea through a special tasting event and coffee pop-up, Kape Sa Korea, on 24 April 2025.

Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega was pleased to welcome some of the guests and introduce them to the rich heritage and distinct flavor of Philippine coffee drinks specially developed for the Korean palette using Apo ni Bayosa Coffee Beans — a premium coffee variety grown by indigenous communities, cultivated with care and tradition in Atok, Benguet.

Serving around 200 cups of Filipino coffee in iced, hot, regular, and special latte variants, Kape sa Korea drew a wide array of guests at the Philippine Experience Center throughout the day, including Former Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Delia Domingo Albert, Korean beauty queen Mina Sue Choi, as well as Korean local government officers, creatives, entrepreneurs, and coffee lovers living and working in the area. It also brought a taste of home to Filipino clients of the Embassy.

The gathering served not only as a showcase of the global potential of Filipino coffee but also for the Philippine Experience Center as a dynamic space for cultural exchange and community building — one meaningful cup at a time.

Alongside the coffee, guests were likewise treated to a variety of Philippine rice and cassava-based snacks provided by the Philippine Agriculture Office in Seoul, showcasing rich Philippine culinary traditions and ingredients. A digital QR code for information on coffee was created for those who want to learn more about Philippine coffee farming practices, production, and distribution.

The Philippines is one of the few countries in the world capable of producing all four commercially viable coffee varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa. This agricultural diversity is made possible by the country’s varied climates and fertile landscapes. The Republic of Korea’s coffee consumption is an impressive average of 405 cups per person annually, way above the global average of 152 which underscores the integral role coffee plays in the daily lives of the Korean community.

Ms. Dokyeom Jang, a Korean professional barista and café owner developed the recipes and assessed brewing methods from Philippine coffee beans for the pop-up activity.

The event was made possible by the joint efforts of the Embassy’s food and cultural promotions group, FOCUS Philippines, led by Ambassador Dizon-de Vega, the Embassy’s Economic Section, the Philippine Agriculture Office-Seoul, and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Seoul. 

The Philippine Embassy in Seoul looks forward to continuing to promote the Philippines’ rich food and beverage heritage and strengthening the cultural and economic ties between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea. END