The Official Website of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, Korea

PHILIPPINE ADVANCEMENTS IN GENDER EQUALITY HIGHLIGHTED AT THE 2024 BOAO FORUM FOR ASIA IN SEOUL CONFERENCE

Former President and current member of the Philippine House of Representatives H.E. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was in the Republic of Korea from 20-23 November 2024 in her capacity as a member of the board of the Boao Forum for Asia. She served as the speaker during the forum’s session for women and youth.

26 November 2024, Seoul. Former President and current member of the Philippine House of Representatives H.E. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was in the Republic of Korea from 21-23 November 2024 in her capacity as a member of the board of the Boao Forum for Asia.

A team from the Philippine Embassy in Seoul led by Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega, formed part of the delegation to the conference. Inaugurated in 2001, the Boao Forum for Asia is committed to promoting regional economic integration and common development of Asian countries.

The 2024 Boao Forum for Asia in Seoul conference convened political, business, diplomatic, and academic leaders from all over the globe to discuss shared concerns such as geopolitical challenges and opportunities in the Asia Pacific region, the attainment of sustainable development goals, artificial intelligence, and the role of women and youth in the future of the world.

Former President and representative Macapagal Arroyo served as the speaker during the forum’s session for women and youth, where she spoke extensively on equitable education in the Philippines. According to the Former President and Representative, this equity in education regardless of gender that has been present in the Philippines since the colonial times has paved the way for social acceptance of gender equality and participation of women in leadership roles and specialized fields.

She likewise stressed that legislation for equal treatment of women is important for development. The Former President recalled that it was during her tenure as Philippine President that the Republic Act 9710 (the Magna Carta of Women) was signed into law. The Magna Carta of Women contains extensive provisions which promote women’s rights, including the right to non-discrimination. It is based on a substantive notion of gender equality and aims at real empowerment of women. As Senator (1992-1998), the former President was also instrumental in the signing Republic Act 8044 or the "Youth in Nation-Building Act of 1995", paving the way for the National Youth Commission.

Former President and Representative Macapagal-Arroyo also underscored the importance of having substantive discussions on global trends in gender development, and suggested taking stock of what has worked and what has not in the almost thirty years that the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action 1995 has been effect and use these recommendations to move critical areas of concern forward.

The Boao Forum for Asia was attended by notable figures, including Chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the Boao Forum for Asia Zhang Jun, former President of Slovenia Danilo Türk, former Prime Minister of Pakistan Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Vice Chairman of Yibin Wuliangye Group Zhang Yu, and various former leaders, foreign ministers, and influential figures from East Asia’s political and business sectors.

Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-Yul hosted a welcome dinner for the Boao board members where he sought their support for the Republic of Korea’s 2025 hosting of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit.

While in Seoul, the former President and Representative also engaged members of civil society and esteemed advocates for human rights and sustainable development such as H.E. Ban Ki Moon in her capacity as a Commissioner of the International Commission on the Death Penalty. END

The Boao Forum for Asia was attended by notable figures, including Chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia Ban Ki-moon (former UN Secretary-General), Secretary-General of the Boao Forum for Asia Zhang Jun (former Ambassador of China to the UN), former President of Slovenia Danilo Türk, former Prime Minister of Pakistan Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Vice Chairman of Yibin Wuliangye Group Zhang Yu, and various former leaders and influential figures from East Asia’s political and business sectors.

PHILIPPINES HIGHLIGHTS STRATEGIC ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES WITH KOREA AT 2024 SEGYE ASEAN FORUM

Left and below, right: Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo underscores no two economies are as complementary as that of the Philippines and the Republic of Korea. Top right: The Philippine delegation to the 2024 Segye Ilbo forum from L-R: Commercial Attaché Charmaigne Mignon S. Yalong, Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo, PH Ambassador to ROK Theresa Dizon-De Vega, Third Secretary and Vice Consul Reisha Olavario, Senior Trade Assistant Aija Jeon, and organizing members of the 2024 Segye ASEAN Forum.

14 November 2024, Seoul - The Philippines was honored to be the featured country of the 2024 Segye ASEAN Forum held at the International Conference Hall of the Seoul Press Center on 30 October 2024. The forum was held in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea and aims to enhance trade and investment between the two nations upon the implementation of the Philippines-Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA) this year.

The Philippines’ top economic officials participated in the forum where they underscored the dynamic trade and investment opportunities for the Philippines - Republic of Korea relations. Secretary of Trade and Industry Cristina Aldeguer Roque delivered the welcome remarks through a video presentation.

Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega in her congratulatory remarks emphasized the vibrant prospects of economic cooperation between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea, as we have just recently elevated our relations to that of a Strategic Partnership. The Ambassador likewise underscored that Korean investors can benefit a lot from the PH-ROK Free Trade Agreement, set to take effect within the year.

DTI Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo of the Industry Development Group (IDG) and Chief negotiator of the Philippines-Korea Free Trade Agreement delivered a presentation on the strategic economic opportunities between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea, highlighting that both nations have complementary economies and that strategic opportunities are available in manufacturing and critical raw minerals processing, innovation, digital transformation, connectivity. He noted that space economy and space technology utilization, climate change mitigation and adaptation and a just transition to clean energy are among critical areas for engagement. This was followed by a presentation on the measures that will enhance economic cooperation between the Philippines and the Republic Korea following the ratification of the FTA, delivered by Philippines Investment and Trade Center Commercial Attaché Charmaine Mignon S. Yalong.

Philippine Department of Agriculture Information and Communications Technology Chief Xerxees Remoroso also presented the importance of leveraging digital technology and mutual cooperation to strengthen Philippines - ROK agriculture products supply chain in response to climate change.

The 2024 Segye ASEAN Forum highlighted that both countries are active participants in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), established in 2022, where the Philippines plays a vital role in key areas such as supply chain development, clean energy, decarbonization, and infrastructure. The presentation of Philippine national agencies was complemented by reactions and recommendations from a pool of Korean Economic experts from esteemed organizations such as the Trade and Economic Committee of the National Assembly, represented by the Hon. Lee Jae Kwan and Hon. Park Jun Tae, the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) and the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP).

Below left: As tourism is a major economic driver for the Philippines and the Republic of Korea, Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo also visited the Philippine Department of Tourism office and showroom in Jongno-gu, Seoul after the forum where he was welcomed by PDOT Director Corazon Jorda-Apo. Right: Undersecretary Rodolfo with Ambassador Dizon-De Vega during the forum.

PHL EMBASSY, MWO-OWWA, AND AFEK SUCCESSFULLY CONDUCT FIRST FILIPINO EDUCATORS’ ASSEMBLY

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14 November 2024, Seoul. The Philippine Embassy in Seoul, in collaboration with the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Seoul, and the Association of Filipino Educators in Korea (AFEK), successfully held the first Filipino Educators’ Assembly, with the theme “Navigating Challenges and Seizing Opportunities: The Role of Filipino Educators in Strengthening Philippines-Korea Relations” on 2 November 2024 at the Sentro Rizal Hall.

The event, which saw the biggest gathering of Filipino academics and educators across South Korea, brought together at least 70 participants to foster a sense of community, promote collaboration, and address key concerns facing Filipino academics and educators in the country.

Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega delivered the keynote address, commending AFEK’s efforts to connect Filipino educators and promote collaboration. The Ambassador highlighted several challenges faced by Filipino academics in South Korea, such as the shortage of foreign teachers, language barriers, cultural differences, and access to grants and other resources for research. She encouraged AFEK to address these issues through proactive planning and organizational adjustments, building networks, fostering a more inclusive and resilient community, and creating practical programs for professional development, such as a Philippine Educators in Korea Speakers Bureau.

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Participants later participated in breakout groups that addressed key topics including visa concerns for F-visa holders teaching at private academies, access to social security services, and opportunities for advanced studies. MWO Labor Attaché Ma. Celeste Valderrama and Welfare Officer Cornelia DG Chanco discussed the services available to educators, focusing on welfare assistance and professional development programs.

In her remarks, AFEK President Prof. Sherro Lee Lagrimas emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration among Filipino educators. She reaffirmed AFEK’s commitment to expanding its membership, creating platforms for knowledge sharing, and advocating for the rights and welfare of Filipino educators in South Korea. Prof. Lagrimas stressed that the assembly was a vital step in developing a shared vision for the future of education for Filipino educators.

The Educators’ Assembly proved to be an invaluable platform for dialogue, collaboration, and addressing the needs of Filipino educators in South Korea. The Embassy, MWO-OWWA Seoul, and AFEK remain committed to supporting the growth and success of Filipino educators, ensuring their continued contribution to Korea’s academic and cultural landscape. END

PHIL EMBASSY CONDUCTS GRADUATION CEREMONY FOR THE 2024 SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAM FOR OFWS

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19 November 2024, Seoul. A total of 158 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) graduated from the 2024 Livelihood Skills Training for Reintegration Program organized by the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, through the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). The graduation ceremony took place on 10 November 2024 at the Sentro Rizal Hall of the Embassy.

This on-site reintegration program is part of the National Reintegration Program and OWWA's livelihood and entrepreneurship skills development initiative for OFWs. Its goal is to assist Filipinos working in South Korea in effectively planning and preparing for their safe, orderly, and productive reintegration back to the Philippines.

The graduates completed a series of skills training courses offered between March and October 2024, including Basic and Advanced Sewing, Basic Photography, Basic Photo Editing, Basic Baking (Bread, Pastry, and Cake Making and Decorating), Korean Side Dishes Making, and Hair Science. The courses were held regularly on weekends at the Migrant Workers Resource Center.

In her inspirational message, Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega underscored that the Skills Training Program, which has been implemented every year for several years now, is part of the ongoing and pro-active empowerment eco-system of the Philippine Embassy for Filipinos who are living and working in South Korea. She commended the volunteer teachers for sharing their expertise, and congratulated the graduates for choosing to spend their weekends learning and acquiring new skills, whether in support of their business plans or personal and social development. To inspire the graduates, Ambassador Dizon-De Vega shared the success stories of former OFWs who have made the successful transition from workers to entrepreneurs. She expressed hope that the skills training would also open doors to new opportunities for the graduates, and re-affirmed the whole-of-government support for the orderly reintegration of the OFWs and their families.

One of the graduates, Mr. Mark Jay B. Reyes, a former EPS worker now holding an E-7 visa, expressed his gratitude to the Embassy, MWO, and OWWA for the continuing conduct of learning activities for the Filipino community. A photography enthusiast who also enjoys cooking, baking, and hair cutting, Mr. Reyes plans to open a food business and bakery upon returning to the Philippines.

To recognize their dedication, ten outstanding trainees were awarded medals for their hard work and commitment to the training. Their achievements will serve as an inspiration to future participants.

Consul General Romulo Victor Israel, Labor Attache Ma. Celeste Valderrama and Welfare Officer Cornelia DG. Chanco assisted the Ambassador in conferring the awards and Certificates of Completion to the graduates and resource persons.

The Embassy invites all OFWs and the Filipino community in South Korea to look forward to the opening of the 2025 Livelihood Skills Training Program, which is expected to commence in the first quarter of next year. -END-