The Official Website of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, Korea

ALBAY DEVELOPMENT TEAM 2 EMBARKS ON A KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE AND BENCHMARKING ACTIVITY IN THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA

Top photo: Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega (seated fourth from right) and officials from the ADT2 led by Mayor Carlos Irwin G. Baldo of Camalig, Albay (seated third from right) pose for a delegation photo at the Sentro Rizal conference room of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul on 16 February 2025.

16 February 2025, Seoul. A forty-member delegation of local officials comprising the Albay Development Team 2 (ADT2), an association of Local Government Units of the Second District of Albay conducted their Knowledge Exchange and Benchmarking Activity in the Republic of Korea from 13 to 18 February 2025.

The ADT2 led by Mayor Carlos Irwin G. Baldo Jr. of Camalig, Albay and ADT Chairperson, received a briefing from the Embassy’s economic team spearheaded Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega together with Third Secretary and Vice Consul Reisha Olavario, Head of the Political and Economic Section, Commercial Attaché Charmaine Mignon Yalong of the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC-Seoul) and Administrative Officer John Trexy Noveros of the Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT-Korea).

Mayor Baldo Jr. shared that the delegation is visiting the ROK for a knowledge exchange program in line with their plan to operate flights from Bicol to Korea, explore other tourism opportunities, establish renewable energy partnerships, exchanges in product development, and technical assistance in climate change and disaster risk reduction.

Ambassador Dizon-De Vega welcomed the delegation and presented on the overview of Philippines and Republic of Korea relations highlighting areas the ADT2 can learn from ROK as well as possible areas for exchange. She shared sectors where the ADT2 can learn from Korea such as Sustainable Tourism Development, Disaster Preparedness and Climate Resilience, Smart Agriculture and Rural Development, Heritage Conservation & Cultural Tourism Promotion, Smart Cities and Digital Innovation, and Food Tourism and Product Innovation.

At the end of the meeting, the Albay Development Team 2 also proudly presented Ambassador Dizon-De Vega with 100% organic craft chocolates from Mayon Gold, which are harvested from the trees that are native in the Bicol region, specifically in the area of Mt. Mayon.

PTIC Seoul Commercial Attaché Yalong delivered a presentation on PH-ROK trade relations and highlights of the PH-ROK Free Trade Agreement while PDOT Administrative Officer Noveros shared the tourism promotion initiatives of PDOT-Korea.

At the end of the meeting, the Albay Development Team 2 also proudly presented its 100% organic craft chocolates from Mayon Gold, which are harvested from the trees that are native in the Bicol region, specifically in the area of Mt. Mayon. Due to the perfect conditions of the area’s volcanic soil, the chocolates are flavor-rich and have higher cacao content with low-acidity, making it very healthy. These hand-crafted chocolates are certified sustainable, vegan, organic, allergen-free, palm oil-free and gluten-free for the international market to enjoy. END

PHILIPPINE RETIREMENT AUTHORITY PROMOTES THE PHILIPPINES AS PREMIER RETIREMENT DESTINATION FOR KOREANS

Officials from the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA), including General Manager and CEO Roberto “Bob” Zozobrado paid a courtesy call on Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega at the Philippine Embassy in Seoul. The Ambassador was joined by Third Secretary and Vice Consul Reisha Olavario, Third Secretary and Vice Consul Jillian Joyce Cornista, Philippine Department of Tourism Director Corazon Jorda-Apo, and Commercial Attaché Charmaigne Mignon S. Yalong during the call. GM Zozobrado was joined by Mr. Mervin A. Magbuhat, Division Chief III together with the GM’s Executive Assistant, Mr. Dionisio D. Valerio Jr, and Ms. Madeline De Vera.

Seoul, 3 February 2025 – Officials from the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA), including General Manager and CEO Roberto “Bob” Zozobrado paid a courtesy call on Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega at the Philippine Embassy in Seoul to discuss efforts to promote the Philippines as a premier retirement destination for Korean retirees.

During the meeting, PRA officials provided updates on the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) program and ongoing initiatives to attract more South Korean retirees to the Philippines. With our warm climate, affordable cost of living, high-quality healthcare, and welcoming community, the Philippines has become an attractive option for Koreans seeking a retirement haven in Southeast Asia.

Ambassador Dizon-De Vega expressed full support for PRA’s initiatives, emphasizing the Embassy’s role in strengthening awareness among the Korean public about the benefits of retiring in the Philippines.

PRA hopes to create more linkages and potential partnerships with Korean stakeholders and clients to enhance the retirement experience for Korean nationals in the Philippines. END

ULSAN CITY OFFICIALS VISIT THE PHILIPPINE EMBASSY IN SEOUL

The Philippine Embassy in Seoul welcomed Ulsan Metropolitan City Officials at the Chancery on 23 January 2025. The Ulsan Metropolitan City International Cooperation Division travelled all the way to Seoul to connect with Embassy officials in preparation for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2025 meetings in South Korea.

Seoul, 10 February 2025 – The Philippine Embassy in Seoul welcomed Ulsan Metropolitan City Officials from the International Cooperation Division at the Chancery on 23 January 2025. The Ulsan Metropolitan City officials met with Embassy officials in preparation for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2025 meetings in South Korea. At the sidelines of the APEC 2025, Ulsan hopes to enhance economic, cultural, and diplomatic exchanges between the Philippines and Ulsan, contributing to the broader objectives of APEC.

Both sides discussed areas of mutual interest, including trade and investment, sustainable energy, and maritime industry cooperation. As one of South Korea’s industrial powerhouses and a leading hub for green energy innovation, Ulsan presents significant opportunities for Philippine businesses, particularly in shipbuilding, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing.

Ulsan Metropolitan City Officials expressed their high regard for Philippine Ambassador to Korea Theresa Dizon-De Vega and members of the Filipino Community in the Republic of Korea residing and working in Ulsan. The Philippine Embassy is proud to note that several Filipinos working in industries in Ulsan have been recognized for their exemplary skill and professionalism.

Ulsan City was represented by Mr. Lee Sung Tae, Head of the International Exchange Team, and International Relations Specialists Mr. Kim Dowoo and Mr. Kim Moonsu. The Philippine Embassy was represented by Third Secretary and Vice Consul Reisha Olavario and Commercial Counselor Charmaine Mignon Yalong. END

PHILIPPINE EMBASSY MEETS WITH GYEONGSANGBUK-DO AND GUMI CITY OFFICIALS TO STRENGTHEN COOPERATION FOR APEC 2025 AND THE ASIAN ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIP 2025

Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega and the Philippine Embassy team had productive discussions with Gumi City officials headed by H.E. Seokhee KANG, Ambassador for International Relations of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province on 20 January 2025.

Seoul, South Korea – The Philippine Embassy in Seoul met with officials of Gyeongsanbuk-do Province and Gumi City on 20 January 2025 to discuss avenues for cooperation in preparation for the upcoming 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit and the Asian Athletics Championship which will be held in Gumi City, two highly-anticipated events that highlight regional collaboration and excellence.

Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega and the Philippine Embassy team had productive discussions with H.E. Seokhee KANG, Ambassador for International Relations of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province and accompanying officials from Gumi City.

The meeting focused on fostering partnerships in key areas such as logistics, event management, cultural exchanges, and athlete preparation. Both sides agreed on the importance of collaboration in ensuring the success of these upcoming major international events.

Ambassador Kang expressed Gyeonsangbuk-do Province and Gumi City’s commitment to working closely with the Embassy.

Ambassador Dizon-De Vega likewise said that events such as APEC and the Asian Athletics Championship serve to place the region in the spotlight, deepen people-to-people ties, and promote regional connectivity. “The 2025 APEC Summit and the Asian Athletics Championship are milestone activities for fostering unity, driving the economy, and showcasing the talents and cultures of the Asia-Pacific region,” the Ambassador said.

The discussions also explored potential cultural exchange programs, trade and investment opportunities, and initiatives to promote tourism between the Philippines, Gyeonsangbuk-do Province and Gumi City, further strengthening bilateral relations.

Philippine Ambassador Dizon-De Vega was joined by Third Secretary and Vice Consul Reisha Olavario, Cultural Officer Anthony Cornista, and Trade Specialist Aija Jeon during the meeting.

Gumi City, located in South Korea’s North Gyeongsang Province, is a thriving industrial and cultural hub renowned for its innovation and active role in international collaboration. END

Ambassador Kang was joined by Mr. Youngchul KIM, Director General of Economic Affairs, Ms. Tae Ran YOO, Director for Investment Promotion, Ms. Mi Young OH, Head of International Trade Team, Mr. Youngsang CHO, Head of the 2025 Gumi Asian Athletics Championships Support Team and Mr. Jeonghun BYEON, Assistant Director of the International Trade Team of Gumi City. Philippine Ambassador Dizon-De Vega was joined by Third Secretary and Vice Consul Reisha Olavario, Cultural Officer Anthony Cornista, and Trade Specialist Aija Jeon during the meeting.