GOVPH

PHILIPPINES SEEKS INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IN WATER LEGISLATION AT THE 2024 AAWC CLIMATE AND WATER ROUNDTABLE MEETING

15 November 2024, Seoul – The Philippines, led by House of Representatives Members Hon. Romeo S. Momo Sr. and Hon. Jose Chaves Alvarez, highlighted the importance of international cooperation in achieving comprehensive legislation on sustainable water management for the Philippines during the 2024 Asia National Assembly Water Consultative Board (AAWC) Climate and Water Roundtable held on 5 November 2024 at the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea.

The AWC is an inter-parliamentary organization of Asian countries for water, focusing on the realization of water welfare and achieving Asia’s common prosperity through parliamentary cooperation. The AAWC has consistently prioritized the development and improvement of water-related policies across Asia, recognizing the critical role that water management plays in sustainable development and regional stability.

During the roundtable discussions, ROK National Assembly Representative and Council Chairman Jeoung-ae Han highlighted AAWC's efforts to advance cooperation in sustainable water resource management with the Philippines through intensive policy research.

Rep. Momo also underscored the importance of region-specific policy research the enhancement of PH-ROK partnerships, especially in infrastructure and water management, and the involvement of local communities in planning and implementing water management strategies as future strategies in water management for the Philippines and the Republic of Korea.

PH Ambassador to Korea Theresa Dizon-De Vega also highlighted that comprehensive and science-based research like the AAWC policy research paper on the Philippines will allow countries to find complementarities and jointly address challenges in national integrated water management initiatives.

After the roundtable, participants also visited the Soyang River Dam, the Hanam Union Park, and the K-Water Han River Basin Head Office to learn more about water resource management and waste treatment best practices of the Republic of Korea. END

PH ARTISTS AND CULTURE SHOWCASED AT THE 2024 ASIA SONG FESTIVAL AND CULTURE BRIDGE FESTA

14 November 2024, Seoul – The Philippine Embassy recently participated in the 2024 Asia Song Festival and Culture Bridge Festa events held from 26 to 27 October 2024 at the Yeouido Hangang Park in Seoul. The back-to-back events were organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Korea (MCST), headed by Minister Yu In-chon and the Korean Foundation for International Culture Exchange (KOFICE), led by its President Park Chang-sik. The Philippines and Jamaica were this year’s themed experiential cultural participants in the festivals that attracted approximately 48,000 attendees to the Mulbit Stage area in Yeouido Hangang Park.    

Philippine Ambassador Theresa Dizon – De Vega extended her congratulations to the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism (MCST) of ROK, the Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (KOFICE) and all the artists for organizing and participating in the two events.  She further stated, “These activities are being held at an auspicious time in Philippines-Korea relations as we commemorate 75 years of diplomatic ties and also the elevation of our relations to that of a Strategic Partnership during the State Visit of Korean President H.E. Yoon Suk Yeol to the Philippines earlier this month.”

 (PHOTOS: Top left: Ambassador Dizon – De Vega performs the tinikling with members of the Filipino Community. Top right: Ambassador Richards enjoying her turn dancing the tinikling. Below: Ambassador Richards, KOFICE Vice President Kim, Ambassador Dizon – De Vega with Jamaican dancehall musical group, Dance Xpressionz, the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group and Filipino and Korean volunteers.)

In addition, Park Chang-sik, President of KOFICE, shared, “This was a valuable platform for bringing together and celebrating the music and cultures of Asia and Jamaica. KOFICE will continue to serve as a leading force in promoting international cultural exchange.” 

The Philippine and Jamaica villages gave the visitors an authentic atmosphere of each country through its arts and crafts exhibitions, traditional attire photo booths, food and beverage tasting, and interactive experiences. The Philippine booths were manned by volunteers from the Kabayan Filipino Center of Incheon.

The first day of the Asia Song Festival at the Mulbit Stage in Yeouido Hangang Park featured live performances from prominent Asian artists. Music platform Spotify’s Filipino rising star, singer-songwriter and musician Dionela, entertained the audience with his original songs and energetic acoustics with his equally enthusiastic band members. Other artists who performed were from Jamaica, Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, Japan, and Korea with a special collaboration number between Korean boy group 8TURN and Vietnamese Gen-Z star, Mỹ Anh (Vietnam). 

On 27 October, the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group founded in 1972 by national Artist Ramon Arevalo Obusan, captivated the audience not only with their colorful costumes and vibrant dances but also with a performance that showcased the history of Filipino folk dances representing the different regions of the Philippines. A repeat performance by Dionela was much appreciated by the crowd with the artist relaying, “It is an honor to perform in Korea for the first time”. A mixed audience of Koreans, international viewers and members of the Filipino Community in Korea. 

The Asia Song Festival attracted about 31,000 attendees on-site, 81,000 viewers globally through YouTube live stream and about 45,000 guests visited the Culture Bridge Festa during the two-day event. END

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

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.

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