The Official Website of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, Korea

PH EMBASSY IN KOREA CELEBRATES 126TH PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY

Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Ma. Theresa Dizon-De Vega (left) with esteemed members of the ROK government including First Vice Foreign Minister Kim Hong Kyun (lower right) and National Assembly Representative Na Kyung Won (in sky blue) at the celebration of the 126^th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence. Upper right: Filipino Congresswoman Marissa Magsino and esteemed members of the ROK government join the Ambassador for the cutting of the commemorative cake.

SEOUL, 11 JUNE 2024 — Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Theresa Dizon-De Vega hosted a diplomatic reception on 11 June 2024 at the Crystal Ballroom of Lotte Hotel in Seoul in celebration of the 126th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence. The event, also held in a milestone year celebrating the 75th anniversary of Philippines - Korea relations, had 400 guests from the Korean government, diplomatic corps, international organizations, the business community, academe, and civil society.

In her remarks, Ambassador Dizon-De Vega reaffirmed the historic, vibrant, and forward-looking partnership by recounting not only the shared values and ideals of both nations but also the milestone policy mechanisms and initiatives that make for a comprehensive and all-encompassing partnership.

The Ambassador said, “Our steadfast position on the primacy of the rule of law in international engagement and a longstanding commitment to multilateralism serve as guideposts, as we work with Korea in peace-building and ensuring prosperity through dialogue and constructive engagement. These values evolve with the challenges and opportunities of our times. And so it is with the Philippines, as we likewise embrace the values of inclusion, multiculturalism, sustainability, and concern for vulnerable sectors whether in our own country or globally. As we continue on the path towards lasting peace and sustainable development, Korea remains a steadfast partner through more than seven decades.”

First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Hong Kyun, as the Guest of Honor, paid tribute to the heroism of Dr. Jose Rizal by quoting the line "I die just when I see the dawn break/Through the gloom of night, to herald the day" from Mi Ultimo Adios, referring to the Philippines’ freedom hard fought and won 126 years ago. He acknowledged the shared values of the Philippines and the Republic of Korea and particularly lauded the inroads of the relations in trade through the PH-ROK FTA, defense cooperation, infrastructure, and labor and migration.

Other leaders in government and pioneers of the Korean business community, including Rep. Marissa “Del Mar” Magsino of the OFW party-list, Rep. Na Kyung Won of the ROK National Assembly, and Chairman Chang Dae Hwan of the Maekyung Media Group were also in attendance.

In celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Korea, a friend of the Philippines and popular Korean actor Seo In Guk and the first award-winning Filipino boy band trained in Korea, Hori7on, shared their congratulatory messages for the 126th anniversary of PH independence, the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, and stronger PH-ROK relations on stage. Strong people-to-people ties in culture and the arts are a major driver of our relations.

To celebrate South Korea being the number 1 source of inbound tourist arrivals to the Philippines in 2023, the Philippine Embassy and the Department of Tourism (DOT) office in Korea held a lucky draw where five (5) winners were given roundtrip tickets and premium accommodations to popular destinations such as Clark, Cebu, and Bohol. These choice destinations not only promote niche tourism activities favored by Koreans such as golf and diving but likewise offer quality island experiences that support sustainable tourism. The Embassy acknowledged the support of the PDOT-Seoul and the contributions of Philippine Airlines, Hyatt Regency, Okada Manila, and Blue Water Resorts.

The Male Ensemble Philippines (MEn), a group of versatile male singers from the Philippine Madrigal Singers Company of artists, serenaded the guests with a medley of Filipino, Korean, and International songs. Their moving rendition of the Korean national anthem was also received with praise from Korean guests.

Guests also had the opportunity to try a range of Filipino food including pork sisig and chicken adobo and tropical fruits such as premium bananas, pineapples, and papaya. Guests also took home gift boxes containing 75th-anniversary tokens and souvenirs, Filipino snacks, and information materials on choice Philippine vacation destinations. END

Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega (center in cream) with the ASEAN Ambassadors in Seoul. Below: Heads of Mission of the ROK Diplomatic Corps.

The versatile six-member vocal group Male Ensemble Philippines from the Philippine Madrigal Singers Company of Artists serenaded the guests during the reception

Stellar Filipino band Hori7on sharing warm greetings on the auspicious occasion as the first ever all Filipino group to debut and promote in the Korean industry. Within the first year of their debut, Hori7on has received multiple awards being named as the Global Artist of the Year.

Korean star Actor Seo In Guk on stage with Ambassador Dizon-De Vega. Beloved for his music and acting, Mr. Seo In Guk is considered a friend of the Philippines because of his love for and interest in the country shown through online content. He greeted the audience warmly and conveyed that it is an honor to be invited to the National Day.

Top: Consul General Romulo Victor Israel (center in white) and Madame Cathy Israel with Korean guests. Below: Left: Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega with popular Korean influencers. Right: Guest of Honor First Vice Minister Kim Hong Kyun and ROK National Assembly Representative Na Kyung Won listen to Ambassador Dizon-De Vega deliver parts of her remarks in Korean.

The men and women of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, led by Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega (center in cream).

Full house at the Crystal Ballroom of Lotte Hotel Seoul during the 126^th Anniversary of Philippine Independence.

PH CYCLISTS WIN BIG IN CYCLING COMPETITION IN SOUTH KOREAPH CYCLISTS WIN BIG IN CYCLING COMPETITION IN SOUTH KOREA

PR MTD 63 2024

19 May 2024, Seoul. Filipino cyclists Jermyn Prado, Kim Syrel Bonilla and Angelica Altamarino visited the Philippine Embassy in Seoul and called on Ambassador Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega after successfully winning in the recently concluded 2024 Giant Seorak Gran Fondo Competition held on 18 May 2024 at the Seoraksan National Park.

Ms. Prado won third place at the competition after completing the 24-kilometer race route with at least 3,600-meter elevation. Also placing in the top 10 were athletes Bonilla and Altamarino. The race, which is known for its varying routes and panoramic view of the UNESCO reserve Seorak National Park, saw participation from at least 500 cyclists from all over the world.

Ambassador Dizon-De Vega congratulated the athletes and expressed her pride in their achievements, noting their hard work and dedication. “Your accomplishments not only bring honor to our country but also serve as a testament to the strength and resilience of Filipino athletes,” the Ambassador remarked. She further assured the Embassy's continued support for Filipino athletes competing abroad, emphasizing the importance of sports diplomacy in fostering international goodwill.

During the call, the athletes shared their experiences and challenges faced during the competition, underscoring the rigorous preparation and determination required to excel in such a demanding sport. They also expressed gratitude for the support from the Overseas Filipino community in South Korea, which they credited as a source of motivation throughout the race. They concluded their stay with a series of meet-and-greet events with Filipino cyclists all over South Korea. END

PH EMBASSY ADMINISTERS OATH TO OFFICERS OF FILIPINO KOREA SPOUSES ASSOCIATION AND TRISKELION ALUMNI ORGANIZATION

PR MTD 62 2024

23 May 2024, Seoul. Ambassador Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega administered the oath-taking of the officers of two Filipino community organizations, the Filipino Korea Spouses Association (FKSA) and Triskelion Alumni Organization-Korea (TAO-Korea), on 14 April and 19 May 2024, respectively, at the Sentro Rizal Hall of the Philippine Embassy. Both organizations have been long-standing partners of the Embassy and MWO-OWWA-Seoul in various community initiatives for Overseas Filipinos in South Korea.

On the same dates, the Ambassador presented both organizations with their (Renewal) Certificate of Registration, which symbolizes and reaffirms, their commitment to help protect and promote the general welfare and interests of the Filipino community.

Witnessing the recognition and oath-taking were Consul General Romulo Victor “Jun” Israel, Jr., Vice Consul Jill De Dumo-Cornista, Labor Attache Maya Valderrama, Cultural Officer Anthony Cornista and ATN Officer Fatima Tabio.

The Philippine Embassy continues to accept new registration, renewal, or administration of oaths for the induction of newly elected officers of Filipino community organizations in South Korea. For more information, please visit http://www.philembassy-seoul.com/filipino_community.asp. END

PHILIPPINES REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO DEVELOPMENT, PEACE AND STABILITY AT 19TH JEJU FORUM

Top: Philippine Head of Delegation Hon. Emigdio “Dino” Tanjuatco III address world leaders at the Jeju Forum. Bottom left: PH HOD joined a panel entitled “Acting Together for Freedom of Navigation”. Bottom right: PH Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Ma. Theresa Dizon-De Vega served as panelist to two roundtable series on ASEAN and South-South Cooperation during the forum.

31 MAY 2024, JEJU - Philippine House of Representatives Vice Chairperson of the Foreign Affairs Committee Hon. Emigdio “Dino” Tanjuatco III reaffirmed the commitment of the Philippines to peace, stability, and development, upholding a rules-based international order in a statement delivered before world leaders, policymakers, business professionals, academics, and civil society at the 19th Jeju Forum held in Jeju Island from 29-31 May 2024.

As a manifestation of strong PH-ROK Inter-parliamentary relations, the Philippine Head of Delegation was joined by three other members of the Philippine Congress Hon. Peter B. Miguel, Hon. John Tracy F. Cagas, and Hon. Jonathan Clement Abalos. Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Ma. Theresa Dizon-De Vega also joined the forum as a panelist in two special roundtable sessions.

Speaking on behalf of the Philippine delegation, Hon. Tanjuatco III looked forward to elevated bilateral ties in the years to come, as PH and ROK continue to pursue shared values of freedom and democracy, respect for human rights, and the rule of law.

“As Vice Chairperson of the Foreign Affairs Committee in Congress, I especially look forward to the 19th Jeju Forum serving as an important platform to enjoin all responsible members of the international community to adhere to the international rules-based order to preserve regional peace and stability, including in the West Philippine Sea. Any efforts towards peace and stability in the South China Sea must be anchored on international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award, and respect the legitimate interests and legally settled rights of every state,” said Congressman Tanjuatco III.

He highlighted the country's support for peace in the Korean Peninsula, underscoring that the Philippines has consistently called on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) to comply with its international obligations under relevant UN Security Council resolutions and to commit to constructive and peaceful dialogue with the ROK. He also called for a complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization of DPRK.

He also emphasized the importance of parliamentary diplomacy during the forum. “The insights and perspectives members of the Philippine Congress will take home will undoubtedly translate to the crafting of better legislation in the Philippines that supports our national interest but also upholds regional and global objectives for peace and stability,” the Congressman said.

Ambassador Dizon-De Vega served as a panelist during the Jeju ASEAN+α Roundtable: Acting Together for a Shared Prosperous Future and the Ambassadors’ Roundtable: The Global South as Partners for Peace and Prosperity.

Speaking alongside ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn and other ASEAN sub-national cooperation experts, Ambassador Dizon-De Vega underscored that local government units are at the frontlines of the delivery of services, attainment of the SDGs and cited the importance of technical level exchanges through city-to-city and province-to-province cooperation for growth. She likewise highlighted that the Philippine Embassy in Seoul fosters an ecosystem of empowerment for its nationals in Korea, constantly encouraging Filipinos in Jeju Island to act as a bridge for multicultural understanding and cooperation.

At the Global South roundtable, Ambassador Dizon-De Vega highlighted the Philippines’ contributions to providing development-oriented programs in the Global South. She also underscored that existential challenges such as food security and climate change that require cooperation between partners, reform of existing multilateral systems, and scaling up the inclusivity of international financial mechanisms particularly for climate concerns.

The Philippine delegation held a bilateral meeting with Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Governor Oh Young Hun where both sides discussed the importance of strengthening people-to-people ties through greater air connectivity, two-way tourism, and youth and academic exchanges. Members of the Philippine Congress highlighted the importance of overseas Filipinos in South Korea to the Philippine economy and requested the Governor to continue to look after the welfare of those living in Jeju Island through multi-cultural programs and other initiatives.

The Jeju Forum is an annual peace forum held in Jeju Island, Republic of Korea. Under this year’s theme of "Acting Together for a Better World," the forum brings together prominent foreign policy experts and former and incumbent figures from the government and private sectors to discuss key security challenges from geopolitical uncertainties and climate change to artificial intelligence and supply chains. More than 3,000 participants from some 30 countries and 30 international organizations took part in the three-day event.

The participation of the Philippine Congress in the 19th Jeju Forum is a manifestation of strong PH-ROK Inter-parliamentary relations. END

The Philippine delegation had a bilateral meeting with Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Oh Youngh-hun at the sidelines of the forum. Hon. Tanjuatco III expressed his appreciation to the Jeju Governor through a commemorative plaque from the House of Representatives.

Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega joined a special roundtable panel on ASEAN sub-national cooperation with Jeju. Below: Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega in an ASEAN handshake with ASEAN Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn, Governor Oh Young Hun, ASEAN Korea Centre Secretary General Kim Jae Shin, and other members of the panel.

Top: Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega call for global cooperation in addressing the challenges of the Global South at the special Ambassador’s Roundtable on South-South cooperation. Below: Members of the Philippine Congress attended several Jeju forum roundtable sessions on ASEAN cooperation, South-South cooperation, artificial intelligence, and undersea cables.