The Official Website of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, Korea

PHL EMBASSY, CFO AND UFILKOR SUCCESSFULLY CONDUCT 1ST YOUTH LEADERS IN THE DIASPORA (YOULEAD)

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28 October 2024, Seoul. The Philippine Embassy, in partnership with the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) and the United Filipinos in Korea (UFILKOR), successfully launched the inaugural Youth Leaders in the Diaspora (YouLEAD) – Korea immersion program from 21 to 27 October 2024.

This initiative, part of the yearlong commemoration of the 75th anniversary of Philippines-Korea diplomatic relations, aims to help young Filipino-Korean individuals deepen their understanding and appreciation of their Filipino heritage, develop supportive networks with peers, and cultivate their talents as future leaders.

The program welcomed 25 Filipino-Korean youth, ages 15 to 27, who took part in a diverse array of activities designed to enhance cultural awareness and foster leadership potential. As a highlight of their send-off at the Embassy on 20 October 2024, Ambassador Theresa Dizon-de Vega delivered a warm welcome, encouraging the youth to embrace this unique opportunity to connect with their Filipino heritage, build lifelong friendships, and celebrate both the shared history and future that unite the Philippines and Korea.

Dr. Son Byung-ho, Chairman of the Multicultural General Welfare Center in Seoul, which generously supported the YouLeaD participants, attended the pre-departure orientation and remarked that it made him proud for the center to play a privileged part in this undertaking that uplifts and empowers Filipino-Korean youth. He also spoke highly of the invaluable contribution of the Philippines during the Korean War that Filipinos and Koreans alike should never forget but find it an inspiration for closer cooperation and mutual support.

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Consul General Romulo Victor M. Israel, Jr., serving as the program’s lead coordinator, provided the participants with an overview of what to expect during their time in the Philippines, including basic facts about the Philippines, its history, cultural diversity, and key landmarks. This was followed by an interactive session to allow the participants to get to know each other better, creating a welcoming atmosphere that set the tone for a week of meaningful cultural immersion and discovery.

The delegation engaged in a language workshop and gender and development (GAD) training at the CFO Office in Quezon City, followed by an enriching interaction with students of the Las Piñas National High School’s Special Program for Foreign Language (SPFL) – Korean Language Course. The young delegates were also introduced to the rich Philippine heritage at the National Museum of Fine Arts, National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of Anthropology and the historic walled city of Manila, Intramuros.

A highlight of the program was the participants’ courtesy call on DFA Undersecretary for Migration Affairs Eduardo Jose A. De Vega and Assistant Secretary for Cultural Diplomacy Celia M. Feria at the Department of Foreign Affairs. Undersecretary De Vega emphasized the importance of Filipino pride and shared history, referencing the Philippines’ support for Korea during the Korean War, while Assistant Secretary Feria encouraged the youth to embrace the Filipino language and celebrate their bicultural identity.

The program’s final days included visits to historical sites in Ilocos and Vigan, giving participants a memorable first-hand experience of, and profound connection to, the Philippines’ vibrant history and culture. A dinner hosted by the Philippine Embassy at Barbara’s in Intramuros showcased traditional Filipino cuisine, allowing the youth to celebrate their experiences and newfound connections.

Working in groups of five, the participants coming from Jeollanamdo, Jeollabukdo, Gyeonggi, Daegu, Gwangju and Seoul, will be sharing their insights and learnings from the immersion program in creative video format during the annual gathering of families of UFILKOR members to be attended by Ambassador Dizon-De Vega on 07 December 2024.

The 1st YouLEAD – Korea program was a resounding success, enriching Filipino-Korean youth with a sense of pride, understanding, and community that will empower them as they contribute to society in the Philippines and in Korea. END

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PHILIPPINE AMBASSADOR HIGHLIGHTS PH DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION OPPORTUNITIES WITH KOREA EXPORT-IMPORT (KEXIM) BANK EXECUTIVES

Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Theresa Dizon-De Vega met with KEXIM Bank Executive Director Um Sung-Yong of the bank’s EDCF Operation Group on 21 October 2024. Ambassador Dizon-De Vega was joined by Third Secretary and Vice Consul Reisha Olavario and Commercial Attaché Charmaine Yalong. KEXIM Bank Director Kim Yu Shin joined Executive Director Um during the meeting.

30 October 2024, Seoul - Philippine Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega underscored the impact of Korea Export-Import Bank funded projects for the transformative economic development of the Philippines in a meeting with Korea Eximbank Executive Director Um Sung-Yung on 21 October 2024 at the Philippine Embassy in Seoul. Both sides looked forward to the successful implementation of EDCF projects in the pipeline, agreeing that infrastructure projects are crucial for sustainable development, impacting not just economies but also communities and the environment.

The meeting likewise discussed the successful outcome of the State Visit of President Yoon Suk Yeol to the Philippines, including the recently signed memorandum of understanding (MOU) providing around USD 2 billion in financial assistance through the Economic Development Cooperation Fund for the Laguna Lake Circular Road Network and the Panay-Guimaras-Negros (PGN) bridge construction projects, as well as the loan agreement for the second phase of the Samar Pacific Coastal Road project.

When completed, the projects are expected to help usher in the transformative development of the Philippine economy through improved transportation and connectivity which will boost the trade, agriculture, and tourism industries, and elevate the living standards of Filipinos who will benefit from the projects.

Both the Laguna Lake circular road and PGN bridge construction projects are mega landmark projects, ranking as the first and second largest projects in the fund’s history.

The Philippines and the Republic of Korea are long-time partners in economic and industrial development through the EDCF fund. END

PHILIPPINE AMBASSADOR MEETS WITH GREEN ENERGY COMMITTEE CHAIR OF THE INTERNATIONAL ELECTRIC VEHICLE EXPO (IEVE)

Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Theresa Dizon-De Vega met with Green Energy Committee Chair of the International Electric Vehicle Expo Mr. Michael Choi at the Philippine Embassy in Seoul.

29 October 2024, Seoul - Philippine Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega met with Green Energy Committee Chair of the International Electric Vehicle Expo (IEVE) Mr. Michael Choi at the Philippine Embassy in Seoul on 21 October 2024.

The Philippines is an active participant in the IEVE, regularly sharing developments in the Philippine EV ecosystem and its potential to create a more efficient and sustainable transport system. In pursuit of increasing the use of EV in the Philippines, the EV Association of the Philippines has also taken an active role in the ASEAN Federation of Electric Vehicle Associations with other Asian countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Laos and Indonesia. As the second largest producer of nickel in the world, the Philippines can benefit from advancing the Electric Vehicle industry as critical raw materials are required to manufacture its vehicles and parts. The Philippines looks forward to the successful convening of the 2025 IEVE Expo in Jeju Island, with its renewed focus on green energy transition in the mobility sector and ROK’s Carbon-Free Initiatives. END

PHILIPPINE AMBASSADOR WELCOMES NEW UNITED NATIONS MEMORIAL CEMETERY IN KOREA (UNMCK) CUSTODIAN

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Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Theresa Dizon-De Vega met with UNMCK Custodian Suh Jeong In on 21 October 2024. Ambassador Dizon-De Vega was joined by Third Secretary and Vice Consul Reisha Olavario and Defense Attaché Col. Don Templonuevo.

21 October 2024, Seoul - Recently-appointed UN Memorial Cemetery in Korea (UNMCK) Custodian Ambassador Suh Jeong-In paid a courtesy call on PH Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Theresa Dizon-De Vega on 21 October 2024 to provide updates on the UNMCK and discuss the long-standing partnership between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea in terms of honoring Korean War veterans.

The United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Korea located in Busan is the final resting place of the fallen UN soldiers and war veterans who fought in defense of peace and freedom following the outbreak of the Korean War on the 25th of June 1950. The UN Memorial Cemetery in Korea comprises monuments donated by the participating nations as well as Memorial Service Hall, Memorabilia Hall, Wall of Remembrance, and the UN Forces Monument. Citizens of all nations come to the UNMCK to pay their respects to fallen heroes of the war.

During the call, both sides discussed the importance of the UNMCK in honoring Korean War Veterans by commemorating their sacrifices and contributions in defending the Republic of Korea. The Philippines was one of the largest force providers during the 1950 Korean War, sending 7,420 troops from the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK) to help the Republic of Korea. Of the 7,420, 120 Filipino soldiers lost their lives in battle.

A friend of the Philippines and former career diplomat, Ambassador Suh Jeong-in has an extensive background in multilateral affairs including serving as the Government representative and Executive Director of the 2019 ASEAN-ROK Commemorative Summit held in Busan and as Permanent Representative of Korea to ASEAN. The Philippine Embassy wishes the Ambassador all the best in his new role as the UNMCK custodian. END