The Official Website of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, Korea

2025 CREATE MORE HIGH-LEVEL INVESTMENT MISSION AND ROADSHOW KICKS OFF IN SOUTH KOREA

Top: Philippine Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick D. Go encouraged high-level Korean investors to capitalize on strategic incentives and emerging opportunities in the Philippines at the Philippine Business Forum in Seoul on 7 April 2025. Below: The Korea Times CEO Oh Young jun, Secretary for Agriculture Francisco Tiu-Laurel, Trade Minister Ahn Deuk Geun, Special Assistant to the President for Economic and Investment Affairs Frederick D. Go, Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega, and Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo at the 2025 Global Business Club Philippine Business Forum.

8 April 2025 - “The Philippines is primed for investments, and we want the world to take notice,” Philippine Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick D. Go said as he encouraged high-level Korean investors to capitalize on strategic incentives and emerging opportunities in the Philippines at the Philippine Business Forum in Seoul on 7 April 2025.

Citing enhancements in Philippine tax reform laws and a rapid and fast-paced commitment to infrastructure and industries, Secretary Go announced that the Philippines is open for more business.

“With our robust GDP growth, rising credit ratings, easing inflation, record-breaking investments, and bold, game-changing reforms, the Philippines is no longer just open for business—it is the place to invest, expand, and thrive,” according to the Secretary as he requested partners in the Republic of Korea, the 4th largest trading partner of the Philippines, to see the country not only as the next big investment destination, but also as a trusted economic partner and an ally in growth.

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South Korea is the first stop of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) High-Level Investment Mission and Roadshow.

Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega, in her welcome remarks, underscored that initiatives such as the high-level investment mission to the Republic of Korea showcase the continued transformation of the Philippine economy and the strengthening of its strategic partnerships with key nations such as the Republic of Korea. The Ambassador also highlighted the invaluable role Korean businesses have played in the Philippine economy, noting that the roadshow, attended by more than 200 captains of industries and high-level executives, is a testament to the solid foundation both countries have built together.

DTI Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo highlighted complementary strategic opportunities between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea in manufacturing and critical raw materials processing, digital transformation and innovation, connectivity, space economy and space technology utilization, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and a just transition to clean energy.

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ROK Minister Ahn Duk Geun in his congratulatory message shared how the two countries have established a basis for wider economic cooperation with their bilateral relations elevated to a strategic partnership in 2024 and with a Free Trade Agreement in place. He added that going forward, the Korean government plans to leverage economic cooperation platforms in making intergovernmental efforts to promote smooth business collaboration between the two countries.

Smart agriculture, being one of the emerging sectors for engagement, was highlighted by Philippine Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel who was present at the Business Forum and for meetings with the business sector.

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The presentations were followed by a panel discussion offering deeper insights into sectoral developments and investment opportunities, with representatives from both the Philippine government and private sector. Panelists include BOI Executive Director Ma. Corazon Halili-Dichosa of BOI, Department of Energy (DOE) Director Patrick T. Aquino, Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation, Inc. (SEIPI) President Dan Lachica, Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) President Edmund Araga, and Widus International Leisure, Inc. President Han Dae Sik.

The Philippine Business Forum was hosted by the Philippine Board of Investments (BOI) and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Seoul and co-organized with the Philippine Embassy in Korea, the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs and The Korea Times.

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The Philippine Embassy in Seoul is honored to have participated in co-organizing the forum. END

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BRP MIGUEL MALVAR SAILS HOME

Top: Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega wishes officials of the BRP Miguel Malvar a safe voyage home on 27 March 2025. Below: Flag Office in Command Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta PN highlight PH-ROK cooperation in defense and share inspiring words for the officers of the BRP Miguel Malvar before they sail for the Philippines.

ULSAN, 30 March 2025 - The Philippine Embassy in Korea, led by Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega, was honored to have taken part of the send-off ceremony for the BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG06), at the Hyundai Heavy Industries Ulsan shipyard. The send-off ceremony was held shortly after the historic launching of BRP Diego Silang on 27 March 2025.

The BRP Miguel Malvar arrived in the Philippines on 4 April 2025. The send-off ceremony was led by Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta PN, Flag Officer In Command of the Philippine Navy and were joined by Rear Admiral Joe Anthony Orbe PN, Commander of the Philippine Fleet; and Captain Paul Michael Hechanova PN(GSC), Commanding Officer of BRP Miguel Malvar among other senior officials of the Philippine Navy.

The BRP Miguel Malvar measures 118.4 meters long, with a range of 4,500 nautical miles, a cruising speed of 15 knots, and a maximum speed of 25 knots. It is armed with advanced sensors and weapons systems, and has anti-ship, anti-submarine, and anti-aircraft missions capability.

Built by Hyundai Heavy Industries, the BRP Miguel Malvar is a testament to the PH-ROK strategic partnership, particularly our strong cooperation in defense. Together, the Philippines and the Republic of Korea work to build sustainable and resilient defense capabilities. The BRP Miguel Malvar is expected to strengthen the Philippines’ maritime defense and is a milestone in the ongoing modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The Philippine Navy officially welcomed its newest warship at the Naval Operating Base in Subic, Zambales on 8 April 2025 through a ceremony led by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro. END

Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta PN, Flag Officer In Command of the Philippine Navy wishes the BRP Miguel Malvar a good voyage back to the Philippines.

BRP DIEGO SILANG LAUNCHES IN SOUTH KOREA

Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega took part in the official launching of the Philippine Navy’s second 3,200-ton frigate BRP Diego Silang at the Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) headquarters in Ulsan on 27 March 2025. Below: PH-ROK officials join together to celebrate the launch of BRP Diego Silang in Ulsan.

Ulsan, Republic of Korea - The Philippine Embassy in Korea, led by Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega, took part in the official launching of the Philippine Navy’s second 3,200-ton frigate BRP Diego Silang at the Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) headquarters in Ulsan on 27 March 2025. DND, AFP, and ROK government officials were on hand to witness the ceremony.

DND Undersecretary Salvador Melchor Mison Jr. expressed his gratitude to the HHI for the timely expansion of the corvette and the importance of the BRP Diego Silang in achieving Philippine goals of enhancing capabilities and deterrence. Undersecretary Mison also looked forward to working with HHI on other sectors in sustainable defense cooperation, including beefing up materiel and enhancing the special skills of the navy through maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) initiatives.

AFP Chief of Staff Romeo Brawner Jr., Philippine Navy Flag Officer-in-Command Vice Admiral Jose Ezpeleta, were also present during the ceremony. The BRP Diego Silang was sponsored by Mrs. Ma. Socorro Mison.

Undersecretary Salvador Mison Jr. spoke of the importance of the Philippines and the Republic of Korea’s defense cooperation, a priority area of the PH-ROK Strategic Partnership during the official launch of the Philippine Navy’s second 3,200-ton frigate BRP Diego Silang at the Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) headquarters in Ulsan on 27 March 2025.

HHI CEO Lee Sang Kyun also graced the activity where he expressed appreciation for the trust accorded by the Philippine government to Korea and its companies like HHI to become partners of the Philippine Navy in modernization. The HHI CEO also reaffirmed their commitment to continued partnership in PH Horizon IIII expansion projects.

During the ceremonial launch, Ambassador Dizon-De Vega reflected on the long-standing history of the Philippines and the Republic of Korea in defense cooperation, and referred to the launch as a manifestation of our close partnership. She likewise cited the importance of a sustainable and dynamic defense cooperation, through the advance delivery of defense assets and the unwavering commitment of partners in the ROK in helping the Philippines achieve its defense modernization goals in a timely manner.

Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega raises a toast to the long-standing and dynamic 75 years of partnership between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea. Defense cooperation, including through the modernization of the Philippine naval fleet, is a cornerstone of our partnership.

Launched at the tail-end of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea, the BRP Diego Silang is a reminder of both our nations’ strong and enduring strategic partnership and our commitment to defense cooperation. It also symbolizes the Philippines and the Republic of Korea’s strong commitment to upholding a rules-based international order and preserving regional peace and stability, as it significantly enhances Philippine naval capabilities.

Equipped with advanced weapons and radar systems, the BRP Diego Silang, like its sister ship BRP Miguel Malvar, is part of the Philippine Navy’s 28 billion PHP modernization contract with Hyundai Heavy Industries signed in 2021. The newly launched Diego Silang will undergo outfitting and sea trials before being delivered to the Philippine Navy in September 2025. END

Top: Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega with Hyundai Heavy Industries senior officials, including HHI CEO Lee Sangkyun and his spouse. Below: Close coordination between the Philippines and the ROK strengthen our defense cooperation partnership. From left: ROK Defense Attache Minsu Kim, Embassy of the ROK in Manila Counselor Kwon Soon Hyun, ROK Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nala Han, Philippine Embassy in the Republic of Korea Third Secretary and Vice Consul Reisha Olavario and Defense Attache Col. Don Templonuevo Jr.

PHL EMBASSY CONDUCTS FIELD PRE-VOTING ENROLLMENT ACTIVITY IN GEOJE

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6 April 2025, Seoul. As part of its efforts to increase accessibility and encourage voter participation, the Philippine Embassy in Seoul conducted a Field Pre-Voting Enrollment (PVE) Activity in Geoje from April 5 to 6, 2025. The outreach aimed to bring voter registration services closer to Overseas Filipinos in the southern region of Korea, particularly in Geoje Island.

During the Field PVE, the Embassy rendered assistance to a total of 31 Overseas Filipinos, including several community leaders whose participation is expected to help cascade vital electoral information throughout their respective Filipino communities. To ensure broader awareness and facilitate the enrollment process, the Embassy also distributed printed materials containing important dates for the 2025 National and Local Elections and a step-by-step guide to the PVE.

All registered and active Overseas Voters must complete the pre-voting enrollment until 07 May 2025 only, as required to verify their identity and ensure their access to the Online Voting and Counting System (OVCS) or online voting during the official Overseas Voting period which will open on 13 April 2025, 8:00 AM KST, and close on 12 May 2025, 8:00 PM KST.

Before the official start of the 30-day period of online Overseas Voting, those who have pre-enrolled can do Test Voting to familiarize themselves with the system. However, this feature of the OVCS is available only until 12 April 2025.

The Embassy is expected to continue with the Field PVE and Online Voting Outreach in Daegu on April 12-13; Busan and Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia from April 19-20; Gyeonggi-do from April 26-27; and Hyehwadong, Seoul on May 4, 2025. We encourage Filipinos who are registered for overseas voting to exercise their right to vote. END