GOVPH

Liga ng Mga Barangay Bicol Regional Chapter Conducts Benchmarking Activity in the Republic of Korea

25 August 2024, Seoul. The Philippine Embassy in Seoul welcomed a 95-member delegation from the Liga ng Mga Barangay Bicol Regional Chapter consisting of barangay officials from the municipalities of Legazpi City, Pio Duran, and Daraga on their benchmarking activity in the Republic of Korea. The delegation was led by the Board Member Hisham B. Ismail, Regional LIGA President – Bicol Region.

On 21 August 2024, the delegation honored the sacrifices of the Philippine soldiers who served during the Korean War through a Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Roll of Honors at the War Memorial of Korea (WMOK). Mr. Ismail and senior members of the delegation were joined by Third Secretary and Vice Consul Reisha L. Olavario in a meeting with the Honorable Baek Seung-Joo, President of the War Memorial of Korea.

In their visit to the Embassy, the delegation was welcomed by Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega and Minister and Consul General Romulo Victor Israel Jr. Ambassador Dizon-De Vega expressed her appreciation to the delegation for visiting the Embassy during a commemorative year of the 75^th Anniversary of PH-ROK diplomatic relations. She likewise conveyed that among the tasks of the Embassy is to facilitate more active and impactful subnational cooperation between the Philippines and Korea.

The delegation likewise received a briefing from Agriculture Attaché Lev Nikko Macalintal on Philippines-Korea agricultural relations with particular focus on the mandate of the Philippine Agriculture Office in Seoul (PAO-Seoul), agriculture data and PH-ROK agriculture projects. Agriculture Attaché Macalintal also discussed possible agriculture engagement with the ROK which may interest the Bicol region.

The Philippine Embassy will continue to provide assistance to PH local government entities in their efforts to obtain best practices from ROK local governments that may be implemented in their respective areas. END

PHL CALLS FOR ENHANCED WORKERS PROTECTION AT THE 2024 EPS CONFERENCE

21 August 2024, Seoul – Philippine Ambassador Ma. Theresa B. Dizon – De Vega joined the 2024 EPS Conference and Seminar organized by Korea’s Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL) on 12 August 2024 in Lotte Hotel World, Seoul.

The conference was chaired by Minister Lee, Jung Sik of MOEL and co-chaired by President Lee Woo Young of the Human Resource Development Service Korea (HRDK). It was attended by the Ambassadors, Labor Attaches, and sending entities of the 17 EPS sending countries. During the meeting, the Labor Minister announced the direction and plans of the EPS towards a sustainable foreign workforce policy that will adequately support labor standards supervision across all types of foreign workers, and adaptable to the growing needs of the industry.  

In her statement, Ambassador de Vega said that the 20 years of cooperation on EPS is an important hallmark of the 75 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Korea, particularly on people-to-people ties. She commended the MOEL and HRDK for considering important reforms towards skills-based and longer-term employment of workers under the EPS. “As a pioneer sending country, we have seen how the EPS continually improved its processes and evolved in positive ways as it responded to the changing labor market needs and recommendations from its partner countries through regular dialogues”, the Ambassador said.

With continued expansion of the EPS in terms of number, new occupation and sectors, Ambassador de Vega proposed measures to further enhance the social protection and working condition of workers, particularly on repatriation, enforcement of leaves, and registration procedures for jobseekers. The MOEL responded positively to the views and recommendations of each of the participating Embassies.

As part of the program, Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac of the Department of Migrant Workers provided a recorded congratulatory message to the MOEL and HRDK on the occasion of the 20^th year of EPS. The story of Ms. Noname Pinggoy, former Filipino EPS worker, who was among the first batch of EPS workers who arrived in Korea 20 years ago, was also featured during the conference. On the other hand, Mr. Jayson Espana, former EPS worker and Ms. Josephine Infante of the DMW received citations for being a successful EPS returnee and best employee of the sending organization, respectively.

Labor Attache Ma. Celeste Valderrama of the Embassy’s Migrant Workers Office joined the Ambassador during the meeting.  END

Philippines Joins ASEAN Trade Fair 2024

21 August 2024, Seoul. The Philippine Embassy in Korea and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) participated in the ASEAN Korea Centre’s 2024 ASEAN Trade Fair which took place from 08-11 August 2024 at the Seoul COEX.

Opening on 08 August which coincides with the foundation date of ASEAN, the event featured promotions of a total of forty-four (44) companies in the snack food and beverage sector from the different ASEAN member countries. The Philippines had one of the largest representations with the participation of five (5) food companies.

The companies included Bahaghari Global Food Inc, Fitrite Inc., New Asia Oil, Inc., YeloYolo International Inc., and JQ Global Pte. Ltd. Among the PH products promoted at the trade fair include dried fruits, fruit chip snacks, flavored healthy snacks, organic oils and condiments, coconut-based products, and banana-based products.

Some of the Philippine-made products are now available in groceries and convenience stores in Korea while others are undertaking engagements for future distribution in the Korean food sector.

Philippine Ambassador to Korea and current ASEAN Committee in Seoul Chairperson Theresa Dizon-de Vega joined AKC Secretary General Kim Jae-Shin and Ambassadors and representatives of other ASEAN countries at the opening ceremony. END