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FORMER PHILIPPINE PRESIDENT MACAPAGAL-ARROYO CHAMPIONS INCLUSIVE INNOVATION AND REGIONAL COOPERATION AT 2025 JEJU FORUM

Top: Former Philippine President and Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo champions inclusive innovation and regional cooperation at the 2025 Jeju Forum. Below: The former President is joined by other distinguished speakers and guests at the Jeju Forum including Governor Oh Young Hun, former President of Slovenia Danilo Turk, former ROK Speaker Kim Jin Pyo, former ROK Foreign Minister Kim Sunghwan and Secretary-General Wamkele Keabetswe of the African Continental Free Trade Area among others.

Jeju, Republic of Korea (28-31 May 2025) - Former President of the Philippines and member of the House of Representatives Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo advocated for inclusive innovation at the World Leaders’ Session of the Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity held from 28-30 May 2025.

Marking its 20th year, the Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity serves as a platform for domestic and foreign political leaders, renowned scholars and global entrepreneurs to discuss geopolitical challenges and opportunities for long-lasting peace and mutual prosperity. This year’s forum was convened under the theme “Harnessing Innovation for Peace and Shared Prosperity”, and welcomed about 4,000 officials from about 30 countries, with 53 sessions on areas such as the expansion of multilateral relations, trade, and innovation. PH Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Theresa Dizon-De Vega represented the Philippines in select panels on maritime security and regional cooperation.

At the centerpiece World Leaders’ Session former President Macapagal-Arroyo, joining former Slovenian President Danilo Turk, called for a shift in focus from traditional technological advancement to innovations that promote peace, equity, and resilience. Former President and Representative Macapagal-Arroyo also proposed three innovation priorities: (1) inclusive innovation for the disadvantaged, (2) technologies for risk and crisis management, and (3) tools to enhance international discourse and prevent conflict. Warning against misuses of digital technologies and deepfakes, she called for democratized science communication, highlighting the role of media and institutions in shaping a more informed and peaceful world.

“Political will and public openness are needed to actually use these monitoring mechanisms and communications for peace. Peace-building organizations and media have a role to play to advance understanding between opposing groups by providing platforms where validated information from all sides are presented and by opening adversaries to each other’s situations and perspectives,” the former President said.

During the Question and Answer segment following her keynote, Former President and Representative Macapagal-Arroyo addressed a range of critical global issues, from geopolitical cooperation to inclusive innovation. She highlighted ASEAN’s consensus-driven, non-interventionist model as a peaceful innovative alternative to traditional Western balance-of-power strategies. She advocated for blending both approaches to address tensions in the current global landscape. On innovation and inequality, she outlined international policy directions to steer science and technology toward inclusive, ethical development, especially benefiting the Global South, and emphasized the need for a global, publicly funded R&D network to ensure equitable access to lifesaving technologies, like vaccines, during crises. She welcomed deeper ASEAN-EU collaboration on climate initiatives through platforms like the Circular Economy Partnership. Addressing digital threats, she called for the establishment of international norms to tackle deepfakes and AI misuse, warning of potential scenarios that could trigger war through the use of fabricated data. Concluding with advice to youth, she urged future leaders to act boldly, work within systems, embrace sustainable technologies, and build a better, greener future.

Aside from her participation in the World Leaders’ Session, Former President and Representative Macapagal-Arroyo also delivered inspirational remarks to encourage the next generation of leaders committed to sustainable peace and shared prosperity at the forum’s inaugural Jeju Young Leaders Program. Highlighting the Philippines' long-standing commitment to youth empowerment—from the creation of the Sangguniang Kabataan to the National Youth Commission—her message emphasizes the urgency of bridging generational divides in a rapidly changing, tech-driven world.

Jeju Governor Oh Young-hun also warmly welcomed former President and Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo back to Jeju after nearly 14 years, expressing appreciation for her continued engagement in regional collaboration. During their meeting, Governor Oh highlighted Jeju’s recent advancements in key industries such as artificial intelligence, semiconductor and chip manufacturing, and game development. Both sides also emphasized the potential for enhanced cooperation between Jeju and the Philippines, particularly in promoting two-way tourism and strengthening economic and cultural ties between the two regions. END

FPGMA Arroyo advocates for inclusive innovation at the World Leaders’ Session of the 2025 Jeju Forum.

FPGMA Arroyo shared the state with Former President of Slovenia Danilo Türk and former ROK Foreign Minister Kim Sunghwan to answer pressing questions on world affairs including global trade wars and the risks of AI. Below: The Philippine delegation to the Jeju Forum included PH Ambassador to Korea Theresa Dizon De Vega (second from left) and former Cabinet Secretary Ricardo Saludo of the Office of Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Third Secretary and Vice Consul Reisha Olavario, Mr. Franz Alfonso and Ms. Noemi Lintag. 

Jeju Governor Oh Young-hun and members of the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province also warmly welcomed former President and Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo back to Jeju after nearly 14 years, expressing appreciation for her continued engagement in regional collaboration.

Aside from her participation in the World Leaders’ Session, Former President and Representative Macapagal-Arroyo also delivered inspirational remarks to encourage the next generation of leaders committed to sustainable peace and shared prosperity at the forum’s inaugural Young Leaders Program.  

PHILIPPINE ATHLETES COMPETE IN THE 26th ASIAN ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS 2025 IN GUMI – EJ OBIENA WINS GOLD

(PHOTOS – Top: Gumi City Mayor Kim Jangho with Members of the Diplomatic Community in Seoul. 1^st Row L-R: DCM Singh of India, Ambassador Carlos Peñafiel of Mexico, Ambassador Chring Rangsay of Cambodia, Mayor Kin Jangho, Ambassador Aida Ismailova of Kyrgyzstan, Ambassador Alisher Abdusalomov of Uzbekistan, Ambassador Shiva Tumbahangphe of Nepal. 2^nd Row L-R: DHM and CG Edwin Gil Q. Mendoza of the Philippines, DCM and Minister Jaafar of Malaysia, and CG Chen Ribiao of China. Below: Gumi City Mayor Kim Jangho welcomes the Diplomatic Community and special guests.) 

(PHOTOS – Top: Philippines country parade at the Gumi Stadium. Below: PH athletes and coaching staff with Second Secretary Ernest J. Diga and Cultural Officer Anthony Z. Cornista in Gumi City, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, South Korea.) 

31 May 2025, Gumi, South Korea – Upon the invitation of Mr. Jangho Kim, Mayor of Gumi City, members of the Diplomatic Community, including representatives from Post attended the opening ceremony of the 26^th Asian Athletics Championships on 27 May 2025. This year’s theme, “The Dream of ASIA, From GUMI to the World,” conveys the hope that all athletes will chase their dreams and advance to the global athletics stage.

(PHOTOS: Opening Performance by Gumi City students.) 

The Philippine delegation was led by Philippines Track and Field Association (PATAFA) President Mr. Agapito D. Capistrano, and Secretary General Jasper Tanhueco. Representing the country in various events were top athletes including Olympian EJ Obiena (pole vault), Robyn Brown, Lauren Hoffman, John Cabang Tolentino, Kristina Knott, Carlo De Imus, Hokett Delos Santos, Leonard Grospe, Kharis Pantonial, Ronne Malipay, Yacine Guermali, William Morrison, Daniela Daynata, Hussein Loraña, and Bernalyn Bejoy.

(PHOTOS – Left: Philippines country parade at the Gumi Stadium. Right: Athletes sportsmanship oath-taking ceremony.) 

Post was represented in the opening ceremony by Deputy Head of Mission and Consul General Edwin Gil Q. Mendoza, Second Secretary Ernest J. Diga and Cultural Officer Anthony Z. Cornista.

In the final medal tally, the Philippines emerged as the only Southeast Asian nation to win a gold medal, achieved by Olympian pole vaulter EJ Obiena who cleared 5.77 meters in a dramatic jump-off against China’s Huang Bokai. This marked Obiena’s third consecutive gold medal in the Asian Athletics Championship. Other Southeast Asian nations also held commendable performances, Thailand earned 4 silver and 3 bronze medals while Singapore secured 2 silver medals.  

(PHOTOS: PATAKA President Mr. Agapito D. Capistrano with Second Secretary Ernest J. Diga and Cultural Officer Anthony Z. Cornista.)  

China topped the medal table with 19 gold medals, followed by India (8 golds) and Japan (5 golds).

The 5-day competition, held from 27 to 31 May 2025, featured 1,200 athletes from 45 Asian countries, competing across 45 track, field and road events. Notably, the inaugural Asian Athletics Championships were held in the Philippines at the Rodriguez Sports center in Marikina, Rizal, from 18 to 23 November 1973. 

PH EMBASSY AND THE BUSAN UNIVERSITY OF FOREIGN STUDIES SIGNS DEED OF DONATION FOR THE PHILIPPINE STUDIES PROGRAM

(PHOTOS – Dr. Soon Heung Chang, President of the Busan University of Foreign Studies and Ambassador Ma. Theresa B. Dizon – De Vega signs the Deed of Donation for the 2025 Philippine Studies Program at the BUFS Campus, Busan, South Korea). 

25 May 2025, Busan, South Korea - The Philippine Embassy and Dr. Chang Soon Heung, President of the Busan University of Foreign Studies (BUFS), signed a Deed of Donation on 23 May 2025, marking the second phase of the “Advancing Philippine Studies Program” (PSP) at the BUFS Campus in Busan, South Korea.

The joint initiative aims to further develop academic programs, projects, and/or activities related to Philippine history, cultures, language, and society. The main program is to develop a Filipino Micro Major Program in BUFS. 

 (PHOTOS – Top: Dr. Dong Yeob Kim, Director of Korea Institute for ASEAN Studies presents the 2025 Advance Philippine Studies Program. Below: Ambassador Dizon – De Vega delivers her welcome remarks.)

In his welcoming remarks, President Chang expressed his appreciation for the active engagement of the Philippine government in advancing the development of the Philippine Studies Program, particularly in the fields of language, culture, and heritage. He further proposed expanding the program to include the Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics in future projects. Notably, BUFS is one of the leading universities in Korea in AI and robotics research and development, offering specialized programs for international students in Korea.

Ambassador Dizon – De Vega welcomed President Chang’s proposal and expressed support in exploring new areas of collaboration, including AI integration, expanded research partnerships, student and faculty exchanges, and other joint projects that promote and strengthen PH-Korea relations.  

Present during the signing ceremony were Deputy Head of Mission and Consul General Edwin Gil Q. Mendoza and Cultural Officer Mr. Anthony Z. Cornista. Representing BUFS were Vice President Dr. Shin Kyoo Jae; Dean of International Affairs, Dr. Kwon Sun Hee; Director of Korea Institute for ASEAN Studies Dr. Kim Donh Yeob; Philippine Studies Faculty Member Professor Cecil Hwang; International Exchange Team Leader. Mr. Kim Taejin; and International Relations Coordinator, Mr. Sanghoon Jeon. Also in attendance were faculty and students of BUFS.