GOVPH

PHILIPPINES, REPUBLIC OF KOREA AGREE TO DEEPEN INDO-PACIFIC COOPERATION

Seoul, 27 March 2025– Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Theresa Dizon-De Vega met with Ambassador Eui-hae Cecilia Chung, Special Representative for the Indo-Pacific Region at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea (ROK) to discuss the strengthening of bilateral ties and regional cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

The meeting focused on deepening maritime cooperation between the two nations, with both sides agreeing to explore new projects and initiatives on maritime security, maritime domain awareness, and marine environment protection to help address complex challenges in the region. They emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to ensure peace, security, and sustainable development in the Indo-Pacific and agreed that continued dialogue and joint efforts would contribute to the long-term peace and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region.

The Philippines is committed to enhancing cooperation with the Republic of Korea in key priority areas for the Philippines – Republic of Korea Strategic Partnership, including maritime security, economic cooperation, and promoting regional stability. END

PHL EMBASSY OPENS PRE-VOTING ENROLMENT KIOSK AT CONSULAR SECTION AND CONDUCTS FIRST FIELD PVE IN GWANGJU METROPOLITAN CITY

28 March 2025, Seoul. As part of its efforts to increase accessibility and encourage voter participation, the Philippine Embassy in Seoul opened the Pre-Voting Enrollment (PVE) Kiosk at the Consular Section on 23 March 2025 where registered and active Overseas Voters will be able to complete their PVE with the guidance and assistance of COMELEC-deputized Embassy personnel.

At the same time, the Embassy conducted its first Field Pre-Voting Enrollment (PVE) activity for the 2025 National Elections in Gwangju Metropolitan City from 22–23 March 2025. The outreach aimed to bring voter registration services closer to Overseas Filipinos in the southern region of Korea, particularly in Jeollanam-do Province.

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 Geoje on April 5-6, 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

PHILIPPINE EMBASSY CONDUCTS ZUMBA FITNESS PROGRAM FOR OFWs/OFs in KOREA DURING NATIONAL WOMEN’S MONTH

27 March 2025, Seoul, South Korea – In celebration of National Women’s Month, the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, through the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), in partnership with the Seoul Filipino Catholic Community (SFCC), successfully held a Zumba Dance Fitness Program for 2025. The event, held on 16 March 2025 at the Sentro Rizal Hall of the Embassy, was attended by over 90 participants.

In her opening remarks, Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega welcomed the participants and emphasized the Embassy’s commitment to promoting the welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Korea. She also announced upcoming programs designed to support migrant workers’ inclusive growth and development in line with this year’s National Women’s Month theme.

In his closing remarks, MWO OIC Manolo Barotilla highlighted the Embassy’s continuous efforts to implement reintegration, health, and wellness programs to help OFWs maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.

The Zumba session was led by Mr. Robin Daño, an Employment Permit System (EPS) worker and professional dancer. As part of the celebration, OWWA Korea, through Welfare Officer Cornelia DG. Chanco and her team, distributed t-shirts, food, and other giveaways to the attendees. Special awards were also given to three female participants as Best Zumba Dancers and two winners for the Best in Zumba Attire.

The Philippine Embassy, MWO, and OWWA encourage OFWs in Korea to stay tuned for more health, wellness, and skills training programs in the coming months. - END -