GOVPH

PHILIPPINE EMBASSY HOLDS ONLINE SEMINAR FOR NEW EPS WORKERS

22 March 2024, Seoul - The Philippine Embassy in Seoul, through the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) - OWWA, held the first-of-a-series of Post-Arrival Orientation Seminars for Employment Permit System (EPS) Workers for the year on 03 March 2024, Sunday, via an online session.

The activity is part of the Embassy’s year-round labor education for OFWs in Korea that aims to inform and empower them about successful settlement and employment in the country. The post-arrival seminar complements and further reinforces the mandatory workers’ education seminar provided to the Filipino EPS workers before their departure from the Philippines and immediately upon arrival in Korea.

In her opening message, Ambassador Theresa Dizon – De Vega informed the participants about the significance of the information sharing session with the newly arrived EPS workers in the light of the commemoration of the 75^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Korea this year. “We have many activities lined up for this milestone year starting this March, and in support of our efforts to strengthen our people-to-people ties, we aim to conduct more information sharing sessions that will promote understanding of the rights and obligations of every Filipino living and working in Korea, and promote their access to the programs, benefits and services provided by both the Philippine and Korea governments”, the Ambassador said.

Vice Consul Jilliane Joyce D. Cornista presented the consular program and services being provided by the Embassy’s Consular Section, while Welfare Officer Cornelia DG. Chanco and AS Manolo Barotilla discussed the program and benefits of OWWA membership and the procedures for common OFW transactions with the MWO, respectively. Labor Attache Ma. Celeste Valderrama discussed the recent policies on EPS and addressed the frequently asked questions regarding labor standards and insurances that cover EPS workers. Lastly, Director Katherine Corteza of the Itaewon Global Village Center (IGVC) presented important guidance and tips for successful living and working in South Korea, highlighting the culture, laws, regulations, and practices that should be understood and observed especially by the newly arrived OFWs in Korea.

The seminar also featured lessons and insights from experienced EPS workers, Jhomar Malabanan and Jun Owatan. Filipino EPS Workers Association (FEWA), the FilCom partner organization for the seminar, was represented by its President Jhumar Tablatin, who encouraged the new EPS workers to be diligent and open to learning new skills, and to set and focus on their goals in order to succeed.

New EPS workers are invited to join the second series of the Post-Arrival Orientation Seminar which will be held during the 2^nd quarter of this year. -END-

PH EMBASSY JOINS PINOY ISKOLARS SA KOREA RECOGNIZE GRADUATING AND EXEMPLARY FILIPINO STUDENTS IN KOREA

21 March 2024, Seoul. The Philippine Embassy in Seoul joined the Pinoy Iskolars sa Korea (PIKo) recognize graduating and exemplary Filipino students-scholars in South Korea in its bi-annual event entitled “Hayo at Gilas: Pagkilala sa mga Nagsipagtapos na Pinoy Iskolars Sa Korea,” held on 10 March 2024 in Seoul, South Korea.

In her welcome address, Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega extended heartfelt congratulations to the graduates and awardees, underlining that this momentous occasion marks not the conclusion, but merely a significant stopover in their ongoing journey ahead. She urged both the graduates and attendees to reflect upon the invaluable contributions of Filipino scholars throughout the years, which will be highlighted in 2024 as the Philippines and South Korea commemorate 75 years of diplomatic ties. She reiterated the Embassy's enduring support to and close partnership with PIKo.

The ceremony honored a total of 11 Filipino graduates from different universities in South Korea, alongside 15 outstanding students recognized for their scholarly achievements, ranging from publications in esteemed academic journals to commendations for academic excellence and merit.

The event also featured the induction of the new officers of PIKo, spearheaded by its President, Ms. Regina Martha Lumungsod, and facilitated by Third Secretary and Vice Consul Jilliane De Dumo-Cornista.

Ms. Lumungsod highlighted PIKo's engagements in the last year, emphasizing its pivotal role in sharing talents and expertise for the betterment of the broader Overseas Filipino community in South Korea. She expressed eagerness for heightened engagement from PIKo members and an enhanced organizational impact through a series of events that the community may look forward to in the coming months. END

COURTESY CALL OF NON-RESIDENT AMBASSADOR OF ETHIOPIA TO THE PHILIPPINES

14 March 2024, Seoul – Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea H.E. Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega received Non-Resident Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia to the Philippines H.E. Dessie Dalkie DUKAMO at the Philippine Embassy in Seoul on 14 March 2024. Both sides had a productive discussion on regional issues and the way forward of PH-Ethiopian relations, including in the areas of trade, technical cooperation, and migration. END