GOVPH

PHL EMBASSY, MWO-OWWA, AND AFEK SUCCESSFULLY CONDUCT FIRST FILIPINO EDUCATORS’ ASSEMBLY

14 November 2024, Seoul. The Philippine Embassy in Seoul, in collaboration with the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Seoul, and the Association of Filipino Educators in Korea (AFEK), successfully held the first Filipino Educators’ Assembly, with the theme “Navigating Challenges and Seizing Opportunities: The Role of Filipino Educators in Strengthening Philippines-Korea Relations” on 2 November 2024 at the Sentro Rizal Hall.

The event, which saw the biggest gathering of Filipino academics and educators across South Korea, brought together at least 70 participants to foster a sense of community, promote collaboration, and address key concerns facing Filipino academics and educators in the country.

Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega delivered the keynote address, commending AFEK’s efforts to connect Filipino educators and promote collaboration. The Ambassador highlighted several challenges faced by Filipino academics in South Korea, such as the shortage of foreign teachers, language barriers, cultural differences, and access to grants and other resources  for research. She encouraged AFEK to address these issues through proactive planning and organizational adjustments, building networks, fostering a more inclusive and resilient community, and creating practical programs for professional development, such as a Philippine Educators in Korea Speakers Bureau.

Participants later participated in breakout groups that addressed key topics including visa concerns for F-visa holders teaching at private academies, access to social security services, and opportunities for advanced studies. MWO Labor Attaché Ma. Celeste Valderrama and Welfare Officer Cornelia DG Chanco discussed the services available to educators, focusing on welfare assistance and professional development programs.

In her remarks, AFEK President Prof. Sherro Lee Lagrimas emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration among Filipino educators. She reaffirmed AFEK’s commitment to expanding its membership, creating platforms for knowledge sharing, and advocating for the rights and welfare of Filipino educators in South Korea. Prof. Lagrimas stressed that the assembly was a vital step in developing a shared vision for the future of education for Filipino educators.

The Educators’ Assembly proved to be an invaluable platform for dialogue, collaboration, and addressing the needs of Filipino educators in South Korea. The Embassy, MWO-OWWA Seoul, and AFEK remain committed to supporting the growth and success of Filipino educators, ensuring their continued contribution to Korea’s academic and cultural landscape. END

PHIL EMBASSY CONDUCTS GRADUATION CEREMONY FOR THE 2024 SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAM FOR OFWS

19 November 2024, Seoul. A total of 158 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) graduated from the 2024 Livelihood Skills Training for Reintegration Program organized by the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, through the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). The graduation ceremony took place on 10 November 2024 at the Sentro Rizal Hall of the Embassy.

This on-site reintegration program is part of the National Reintegration Program and OWWA's livelihood and entrepreneurship skills development initiative for OFWs. Its goal is to assist Filipinos working in South Korea in effectively planning and preparing for their safe, orderly, and productive reintegration back to the Philippines.

The graduates completed a series of skills training courses offered between March and October 2024, including Basic and Advanced Sewing, Basic Photography, Basic Photo Editing, Basic Baking (Bread, Pastry, and Cake Making and Decorating), Korean Side Dishes Making, and Hair Science. The courses were held regularly on weekends at the Migrant Workers Resource Center.

In her inspirational message, Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega underscored that the Skills Training Program, which has been implemented every year for several years now, is part of the ongoing and pro-active empowerment eco-system of the Philippine Embassy for Filipinos who are living and working in South Korea. She commended the volunteer teachers for sharing their expertise, and congratulated the graduates for choosing to spend their weekends learning and acquiring new skills, whether in support of their business plans or personal and social development. To inspire the graduates, Ambassador Dizon-De Vega shared the success stories of former OFWs who have made the successful transition from workers to entrepreneurs. She expressed hope that the skills training would also open doors to new opportunities for the graduates, and re-affirmed the whole-of-government support for the orderly reintegration of the OFWs and their families.

One of the graduates, Mr. Mark Jay B. Reyes, a former EPS worker now holding an E-7 visa, expressed his gratitude to the Embassy, MWO, and OWWA for the continuing conduct of learning activities for the Filipino community. A photography enthusiast who also enjoys cooking, baking, and hair cutting, Mr. Reyes plans to open a food business and bakery upon returning to the Philippines.

To recognize their dedication, ten outstanding trainees were awarded medals for their hard work and commitment to the training. Their achievements will serve as an inspiration to future participants.

Consul General Romulo Victor Israel, Labor Attache Ma. Celeste Valderrama and Welfare Officer Cornelia DG. Chanco assisted the Ambassador in conferring the awards and Certificates of Completion to the graduates and resource persons.

The Embassy invites all OFWs and the Filipino community in South Korea to look forward to the opening of the 2025 Livelihood Skills Training Program, which is expected to commence in the first quarter of next year. -END-

PH EMBASSY CONDUCTS POST ARRIVAL ORIENTATION SEMINAR AND MENTORSHIP PROGRAM FOR FILIPINO MARRIAGE MIGRANTS IN JEJU

17 November 2024, Jeju. The Philippine Embassy conducted its fourth and final Post Arrival Orientation Seminar (PAOS) and Mentorship Program for Filipino Marriage Migrants for the year 2024 in Jeju City on 17 November 2024.

The PAOS, which aligns with the Philippine Embassy’s Memorandum of Understanding signed in September 2023 with the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, serves as a platform for equipping marriage migrants with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate life in South Korea. The seminar adopted a relaxed, open-sharing format, allowing experienced marriage migrants to mentor newly arrived individuals by sharing their experiences on multicultural family dynamics. Key topics included cultural differences, language barriers, and financial literacy, among others.

The program also featured informational discussions by Vice Consul Jill De Dumo-Cornista on consular services and the rights of dual citizens, while Director Kim San Og of the Jeju Counseling Center for Women discussed emergency protocols for domestic violence victims and other local support systems available to women migrants.

In 2025, the Embassy plans to expand its initiatives to better address the needs of Filipino marriage migrants. Proposed activities include training on financial literacy and inheritance matters—topics identified during the seminar’s open forum. Responding to growing demand, the Embassy also aims to conduct the PAOS to other areas of Korea.

The Embassy remains committed to its comprehensive approach to supporting Filipino marriage migrants, which includes ongoing programs like the Know-Your-Rights-and-Responsibilities Seminar Series, Eskwelahan sa Embahada for multicultural children, and family-centered events such as Family Day and Palarong Pinoy.

For updates on future activities and programs, the Embassy invites the Filipino community in South Korea to stay connected through its official communication channels. END