GOVPH

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 

PHL EMBASSY ADMINISTERS OATH TO OFFICERS OF EL SHADDAI SOUTH KOREA CHAPTER, UNITED FILIPINOS IN SOUTH KOREA, FILIPINO PHOTOGRAPHERS IN SOUTH KOREA AND PINOY ISKOLARS SA KOREA

04 April 2025, Seoul. The Philippine Embassy, led by Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega, recognized and administered the oath-taking of the officers of four (4) Filipino community organizations, namely: the El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Fellowship International South Korea Chapter, United Filipinos in South Korea, Filipino Photographers in South Korea and Pinoy Iskolars sa Korea. The organizations were also awarded their renewal Certificate of Registration, which symbolizes and reaffirms their commitment to help protect and promote the general welfare and interests of the Filipino community.

In her message to the Filipino community organizations, Ambassador Dizon-De Vega encouraged community members to continue gathering, organizing, and working together, emphasizing that a strong, well-connected Filipino community is essential to the success of initiatives that support migrant welfare, cultural promotion, and reintegration. She likewise reaffirmed the Philippine Embassy’s commitment to partnering with Filipino organizations to ensure that these efforts are inclusive, impactful, and responsive to the needs of kababayans in South Korea.

Witnessing the recognition and oath-taking were Deputy Chief of Mission and Consul General Romulo Victor M. Israel, Jr., Vice Consul Jill De Dumo-Cornista, and Welfare Officer Cornelia D.G. Chanco.

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

CONNECT, INNOVATE, AND PROSPER: PHILIPPINES AND REPUBLIC OF KOREA LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING TOGETHER DURING APEC 2025

30 March 2025, Seoul - In preparation for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit which will take place in Gyeongju, Republic of Korea later this year, Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Ma. Theresa Dizon-De Vega met with ROK officials in charge of APEC 2025. The Ambassador met with APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) Leader Ambassador Yoon Seong Mee on 28 March 2025.

Ambassador Dizon-De Vega congratulated Ambassador Yoon on the Republic of Korea’s successful hosting of the APEC1 SOM in Gyeongju, ROK. Ambassador Dizon-De Vega also reaffirmed the Philippines’ support for the ROK’s APEC hosting year in 2025, including its theme “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate, Prosper” which reflects the ROK vision for the future of the region and its priorities.

Having been posted in the Philippines, Ambassador Yoon Seong-mee recalled the long-standing and dynamic partnership between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea, and its key priority areas including in trade and investment, economic growth, and fostering regional cooperation. Both sides agreed to work closely together during ROK’s APEC 2025 hosting year, as the Philippines continues to advance its APEC priorities. Both sides also agreed on the importance of continuing discussions on the development of a skilled workforce through inclusivity, the adoption of emerging technologies such as AI, promoting sustainable development practices in tourism, and public-private collaboration for MSMEs.

Ambassador Dizon-De Vega also visited the APEC ROK Preparatory Office headquarters in Myeongdong, Seoul where she met with APEC Senior Managing Director Ambassador Kim Ji-joon.

Ambassador Dizon-De Vega expressed her appreciation for hosting arrangements made during APEC SOM 1 in Gyeongju and looked forward to closer cooperation between the Philippines and the APEC ROK Preparatory Office during future APEC meetings scheduled in Busan, Jeju, Incheon, and Gyeongju. Ambassador Dizon-De Vega also sought updates from the Preparatory Office on hosting arrangements and logistics for APEC member economies in preparation for a productive and impactful APEC 2025 Economic Leaders’ Week.

The Philippines continues to be an active member of APEC. The Embassy of the Philippines is likewise pleased to note that ROK, as host of APEC 2025, holds in high esteem Filipinos participating in the APEC meetings including those working in the APEC Secretariat in Singapore. END