PHILIPPINE EMBASSY AND KNIGHTS OF RIZAL – KOREA CHAPTER COMMEMORATE RIZAL DAY
(PHOTOS – Top: Chargé d’Affaires Romulo Victor M. Israel leads the wreath-laying ceremony at the Sentro Rizal Hall together with Vice Consul Jilliane Joyce R. De Dumo – Cornista. Below: Knights of Rizal – Korea Chapter Officers and Members.)
30 December 2024, Seoul – In celebration of the 128th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the Philippine Embassy in cooperation with the Knights of Rizal (KOR) – Korea Chapter held a solemn floral offering at the bust of the Philippines national hero at the Sentro Rizal Hall of the Philippine Embassy.
The ceremony was led by CDA a.i. and Commander of the KOR – Korea Chapter Romulo Victor M. Israel, Jr., KOR officers and members, officers and staff of the Embassy and Filipino community members.
(Photos – Top: Officers of the KOR - Korea Chapter joined by family members of the Embassy sing the Philippine national anthem at the start of the wreath-laying ceremony. Below: CDA a.i. and Commander Romulo Israel delivers his welcome remarks.)
In keeping with this year’s theme, “Rizal sa Bagong Pilipinas: Buhay at Aral, Aming Nilalandas” (Rizal in the New Philippines: Life and Teachings, As Our Guide), CDA a.i. Israel emphasized the importance of the many writings of Dr. Rizal, citing the dedication to the motherland and love of country.
(PHOTOS - Top left: Welcome Remarks by Sir Romulo Victor M. Israel, Jr. KCR, CDA a.i. and Commander, Knights of Rizal - Korea Chapter. Top right: Sir Anthony Z. Cornista, KOR, Deputy Commander, Knights of Rizal - Korea Chapter reads the Rizal Day Message of Sir Raymundo A. Del Rosario, KGCR, Supreme Commander. Below left: Master of Ceremonies Sir Apolonio Gabino Alvarez, Jr. KOR. Below right: Sir Agapito Bulabos, Jr. KR leads the flag-raising ceremonies held every Monday at the Sentro Rizal Hall.)
In his Rizal Day message, Sir Raymundo A. Del Rosario, KGCR, Supreme Commander of the Knights of Rizal, Supreme Council, shared that we must “draw inspiration from Rizal’s courage and intellectual brilliance. Let us embrace his unwavering commitment to truth and his unwavering faith in the Filipino people. Let us strive to embody his ideals in our own lives, in our communities, and in our nation”. He further encouraged everyone to “work tirelessly to build a society that reflects Rizal’s vision – a society where education is accessible to all, where freedom of thought and expression are cherished, where social justice prevails, and where the dignity of every Filipino is upheld.”
(PHOTOS – Heads of the attached agencies in Korea, officers and staff and family members of the Embassy, with the participation of the Filipino Community join in the wreath-laying ceremonies commemorating the 128th anniversary of the martyrdom of Dr, Jose Rizal.)
The commemoration also showcased videos of two Rizal Shrines from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), “Rizal - Calamba” and “Dambana ni Rizal sa Fort Santiago.” The event concluded with a community breakfast sponsored by the KOR – Korea Chapter. END.
PHILIPPINE WEAVES (HABI) EXHIBITION HELD AT CULTURAL HUB INSA-DONG, SEOUL
(PHOTOS – Top: Ambassador Ma. Theresa B. Dizon – De Vega delivers her welcome remarks to the over sixty guests in attendance. Below: Ambassador Dizon – De Vega, Secretary General Kim Jae Shin of the ASEAN-Korea Center (left of the Ambassador) and Director Yennie Shon (right of the Ambassador) of the Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (KOFICE) together with ten Ambassadors and the members of the Diplomatic Corps at the Opening Ceremony).
17 December 2024, Seoul – The opening ceremony of the exhibition “Threads of Culture: An exhibit of Philippine Weaves (HABI)” was held on 17 December 2024 at the Ohmi Gallery, Maru Art Center located in the bustling cultural hub of Insa-dong in Seoul. The exhibition, showcasing the rich and intricate weaving traditions of the Philippines, was organized to commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Korea, highlighting the enduring cultural ties and shared history between the two countries.
(PHOTOS: Top Left: Secretary General Kim Jae Shin of the ASEAN-Korea Centre and Top right: Director Yennie Shon of the Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (KOFICE) deliver their congratulatory remarks. Below (far right): Ms. Natalia Federighi de Cuello, President of the Association of Spouses of Ambassadors in Korea (ASAS) joins Director Shon, Ambassador Dizon – De Vega, and Director General Kim in cutting the ceremonial ribbon to open the Philippine weaves exhibition).
In her remarks, Philippine Ambassador Theresa Dizon – De Vega highlighted the significance of the exhibit, describing it as “a tribute to the enduring friendship between the Philippines and Korea as we commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations – a relationship built on mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to fostering cultural understanding” she further expressed, “gratitude to the artisans whose works we celebrate today, the social entrepreneurs who are tirelessly building sustainable bridges between heritage and commerce, the weave advocates and tradition bearers, and all those who made this exhibit possible”.
ASEAN Korea Centre Secretary General and a former Ambassador of Korea to the Philippines Kim Jae-shin, congratulated the Philippine Embassy for its efforts in bringing Philippine culture closer to the Korean people and acknowledged the strong and meaningful relationship shared by the two nations.
Meanwhile Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (KOFICE) Director Yennie Shon in her remarks stated that “I believe that the “HABI” Philippine Textile Exhibition, being held here in Insa-dong – a cultural heart of Korea – will serve to deepen the cultural connections between our two nations”. She likewise cited the recently concluded Asia Song Festival and Culture Bridge Festa festival in October, hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism where the Philippines was honored as the guest country.
(PHOTOS: Various cotton and pineapple weaves displayed at the exhibition).
The opening program was attended by over 60 guests, including Ambassadors, other members of the Diplomatic Corps in Seoul, and personalities from the business, design, and cultural sectors, along with representatives from the local media. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was participated in by Ambassador Dizon-de Vega, Secretary General Kim, Director Yoon, and Ms. Natalia Federighi de Cuello, President of the Association of Spouses of Ambassadors in Korea (ASAS). A reception and viewing followed the program.
(PHOTOS: Various cotton and pineapple weaves displayed at the exhibition).
The event featured the participation of weaving companies, designers and social entrepreneurs from the Philippines, including Anthill Fabric Gallery, Pidayit by Philip D. Torres, Bagoyan, Lokal + Home + Art + Fashion, Ha.bi by Iris Ceneta, Lumban Embroidery by Josefina Llamoso, Lakat, Happy Andrada, and Our Little Ideas Philippines. These participants showcased the unique designs and intricate patterns of their creations, highlighting the rich diversity of Philippine weaving traditions. Ambassador Dizon – De Vega also contributed pieces from her personal collection, featuring weaves and traditional attire crafted by various indigenous communities in the Philippines.
(PHOTOS: Guests from the diplomatic corps and private sectors admiring the creations of the contributing participants).
The exhibition will run from 17 to 21 December 2024. END.
PHL EMBASSY ADMINISTERS OATH TO OFFICERS OF PHILIPPINE ENGINEERS ASSOCIATION IN KOREA, HANPHIL-SASANG DAMUNHWA, AND PINOY COMMUNITY IN HWASEONG-SI
15 December 2024, Seoul. Ambassador Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega presented three Filipino Community Organizations – the Philippine Engineers Association in Korea (PEAK), Hanphil-Sasang Damunhwa (HSD), and Pinoy Community in Hwaseong-Si (PCH) – their Certificate of Registration, which symbolizes and reaffirms their commitment to help protect and promote the general welfare and interests of the Filipino community, in December this year.
In her message to the Filipino community organizations, Ambassador Dizon-De Vega conveyed her enthusiasm for collaborating with these groups in the coming months. She emphasized the importance of leveraging their respective expertise to advance various initiatives, particularly those aimed at enhancing discussions on migration in South Korea. These include programs such as the Post-Arrival Orientation Seminars for EPS workers and marriage migrants, the "Know Your Rights and Responsibilities" Seminar Series, and reintegration programs under the PEAK Pinoy initiative.
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, Labor Attache Ma. Celeste M. Valderrama, 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
Philippines Participates in 2024 BRIDGES Program on Local Infrastructure Governance in Korea
13 December 2024, Seoul. The 2024 Bridges Program on Local Infrastructure Governance was successfully held from November 24-30, 2024, in Seoul, South Korea. The program brought together experts and officials from the Philippines and Korea to exchange knowledge and best practices in local governance and infrastructure development. The program was co-organized by the Philippine Society for Public Administration (PSPA) and the Korea Local Government Officials Development Institute (LOGODI) under the ROK Ministry of Interior and Safety (MOIS), with additional support from the LX Spatial Information Research Institute.
Participants in the program included the Philippine delegation headed by Undersecretary Odilon Pasaraba of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and other DILG senior officials and directors specializing in local governance and infrastructure management. Korean counterparts included representatives from LOGODI, the LX Spatial Information Research Institute, and the ROK MOIS who contributed expertise and knowledge on local governance and smart city infrastructure in Korea.
The program included policy and knowledge exchange sessions, presentation of case studies, technical workshops, and site visits sites showcasing advanced local governance in action, including applications of spatial data technology in transportation and public safety systems.
The Closing Ceremony for the BRIDGES Program was held at the Sentro Rizal of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul with the DILG Delegation as well as representatives from ROK MOIS, LOGODI, and LX Spatial in attendance.
Ambassador Theresa Dizon-de Vega in her congratulatory remarks noted that the program will benefit local governance managers immensely as it introduced them to new technologies, tools, and strategies for better local infrastructure management. She likewise re-affirmed the Embassy’s commitment to helping engender more sub-national cooperation between the Philippines and Korea.
DILG Undersecretary Odilon Pasaraba expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to learn from Korea’s expertise, noting that the insights gained would play a crucial role in enhancing governance frameworks and infrastructure development initiatives in the Philippines. Undersecretary Pasaraba conveyed the DILG’s appreciation to the Embassy for helping to organize the closing ceremony and for its work on local government engagement between PH and ROK.
The 2024 Bridges Program underscored the importance of international cooperation in addressing the challenges of local governance and infrastructure development and marks another milestone in Philippines-Korea relations, fostering innovation and mutual growth in the field of public administration and infrastructure governance. END
Embassy News
- Friday, 21 February 2025 PHL EMBASSY CONDUCTS SECOND FILCOM LEADERS’ CAMP
- Friday, 21 February 2025 NICK JOAQUIN’S CLASSIC WORKS AND MICA DE LEON’S LOVE ON THE SECOND READ LAUNCH IN KOREA
- Friday, 21 February 2025 PH EMBASSY AND FILIPINOS IN THE CREATIVE SECTOR MEET
Announcement & News Updates
- Wednesday, 19 February 2025 REQUEST FOR QUOTATION FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF ONE (1) YEAR LEASE CONTRACT FOR MULTI-FUNCTIONAL PHOTOCOPYING MACHINES FOR THE OFFICE USE OF THE EMBASSY
- Wednesday, 19 February 2025 REQUEST FOR QUOTATION PROCUREMENT OF ONE (1) YEAR CONTRACT FOR PROVISION OF SECURITY SERVICES FOR THE EMBASSY
- Tuesday, 18 February 2025 ADVISORY AND GUIDELINES ON THE CONSULAR OUTREACH IN MOKPO AND YEOSU
