GOVPH

PHL EMBASSY CONDUCTS SECOND FILCOM LEADERS’ CAMP

17 February 2025, Seoul. The Philippine Embassy in Seoul, in coordination with the MWO-OWWA-Seoul, successfully conducted the Second Filipino Community Organizations’ Leadership Camp from 15 to 16 February 2025 at Sentro Rizal Hall. With the theme “Enhancing Community Emergency Preparedness and Security Awareness,” the event aimed to equip Filipino community leaders with essential skills in security preparedness, emergency response, and law enforcement coordination.

In her opening remarks, Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega emphasized that the leadership camp serves as a crucial platform for community leaders to enhance their ability to identify and mitigate potential security risks, particularly in large gatherings and public events. She expressed her hope that the two-day training would not only reinforce community preparedness but also foster stronger collaboration among Filipino organizations in South Korea, ensuring a more united and proactive approach to safety, crisis, and emergency response.

The camp was attended by over 110 Filipino community leaders representing at least 53 Filcom organizations, a significant increase in participation compared to the previous year. Key training sessions included personal and personnel security, facilitated by resource person Mr. Yves Samuel P. Orillaneda, which focused on self-protection and safeguarding fellow community members. On the second day, resource person Ms. Mildred C. Abordo led discussions on venue/site survey and security and quick and emergency response to attacks, providing insights into assessing venue safety and effectively responding to emergencies.

Participants engaged in practical exercises simulating real-life emergency scenarios to ensure they are well-prepared to respond to crisis situations and protect the welfare of their respective communities. Deputy Chief of Mission and Consul General Romulo Victor M. Israel, Jr., and Second Secretary Ernest Joseph P. Diga facilitated the session wherein participants practiced drafting a security plan for a simulated event, as well as a tabletop exercise to test their response strategies. The participants were divided into groups and conducted site visits to designated nearby shelters and performed essential emergency procedures during an actual evacuation or crisis.

To enhance practical learning, Seoul Metropolitan Police Officer An Sung Pil provided an orientation on the proper procedures for reporting crimes, particularly those commonly affecting foreigners. He also shared vital information on emergency hotlines and key contacts to ensure timely assistance and response in critical situations.

During the event, the Embassy also facilitated the recognition of four newly registered Filipino community organizations – the Filipino-American-Korean Organization in Korea, Pocheon Filipino Community, Abe-Abe, and Maseok Filipino Catholic Community. At least 15 other Filipino community organizations also renewed their registration. Also in attendance were Vice Consul Jill De Dumo-Cornista who moderated the program, MWO-OIC Manny Barotilla, and OWWA Welfare Officer Nel DG. Chanco.

Since the inaugural leaders’ camp in March 2024, there has been a notable increase in participation and interest in community preparedness. Beyond security preparedness, the camp also provided a valuable opportunity for Filipino community leaders to build stronger networks and connections among themselves. The event also reinforced the strong partnership between the Philippine Embassy and Filipino community organizations, ensuring a more coordinated and efficient response in times of crisis. The Embassy looks forward to future coordination initiatives with the Filipino Community in South Korea. END

NICK JOAQUIN’S CLASSIC WORKS AND MICA DE LEON’S LOVE ON THE SECOND READ LAUNCH IN KOREA

Philippine Ambassador Theresa Dizon-de Vega (left) with Ms. Mica de Leon (center) and the Chairperson of Hansae Yes24 Foundation Ms. Soomi Baek (right) poses for a photo with the newly published Korean-versions of the books Tales of the Tropical Gothic and The Woman who had Two Navels by Nick Joaquin, and Mica de Leon’s Love on Second Read.

14 February 2025, Seoul. Korean readers are set to experience the depth and diversity of Philippine literature as the Korean-language versions of three (3) Philippine books: The Woman Who Had Two Navels and Tales of the Tropical Gothic by Philippine National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin, and Love on Second Read by Mica de Leon are now available in Korean bookstores nationwide. Philippine Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega attended the press conference and the book launch at the Korea Foundation (KF) Global Center on 14 February 2025.

The Hansae Yes24 Foundation, an organization dedicated to fostering cultural exchanges and building bridges between ASEAN countries and Korea, published the books to introduce Philippine literature to Korean readers. The books were launched during Philippine National Arts Month and during the commemorative 75th year of Philippines-Korea diplomatic relations.

During the press conference, Ambassador Dizon-De Vega expressed confidence that Korean readers will gain a deeper understanding of the society, history, and culture of the Philippines through these books. Philippine National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin (1917–2004) is renowned for his short stories, novels and essays that explore the country’s colonial history, identity and cultural heritage. Among lovers of literature, Nick Joaquin’s writing is revered for his profound exploration of culture, historical allegory, and psychological depth. Contemporary author Mica De Leon is a winner of the prestigious Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Award and is known for her evocative storytelling and exploration of contemporary Filipino life, relationships and identity. All three books promise to bring fresh and classic Filipino storytelling to a new audience, fostering cross-cultural appreciation between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea.

In celebration of Valentine’s Day, members of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul likewise attended a book salon for the publications held later on the same date entitled 'Stories in Bloom: Stories of Love and Literature', with author Mica De Leon. The book salon, held at the Yes24 Gangseo Branch to a large local audience, featured discussions on literature and the creative process of contemporary writing. Korean Singer Yozoh and Korean YouTuber Sylvia Kim likewise joined the event.

Philippine National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin’s The Woman Who Had Two Navels and Tales of the Tropical Gothic, and Mica de Leon’s Love on the Second Read are now available for purchase both in digital and paperback formats online and in bookstores across the country. END

PH EMBASSY AND FILIPINOS IN THE CREATIVE SECTOR MEET

16 February 2025, Seoul. The Philippine Embassy in Korea, hosted a get-together and sharing session with Filipino creatives in Korea on 15 February 2025 at the Embassy’s new Habi Lounge. Philippine Ambassador Theresa Dizon-de Vega along with Deputy Chief of Mission and Consul General Victor Romulo Israel, Vice Consul Jillian De Dumo-Cornista, and Cultural Officer Anthony Cornista welcomed Filipinos who undertake acting, modelling, hosting, performing, talent management, and influencer work in Korea to the activity.  Some of the participants have extensive experience, particularly in the acting field, in various Korean content production sectors. 

The Embassy convened the gathering discuss further cooperation among the Philippine Embassy, the Filipinos in the entertainment, arts, and creative sectors in Korea, and the larger Filipino Community. The creatives shared their current situation and concerns as well as ways in which they could contribute to further elevating the Filipinos’ presence and voice in Korea, optimizing the new opportunities offered by Korea’s growing attention to multiculturalism.

The Philippine Embassy will work closely with the creative sector in organizing cultural activities as well as informative, welfare, and capacity-building programs for the Filipino creatives sector. END