The Official Website of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, Korea

PH EMBASSY HIGHLIGHTS FTA AND NEW OPPORTUNITIES IN INVESTMENTS AT SPECIALIZED PANEL HOSTED BY THE ECONOMIST

PTIC-Seoul Commercial Counselor Jose Ma. Dinsay (second from right) participated in the specialized panel hosted by The Economist Group on 24 January 2024 at the Conrad Hotel in Seoul.

30 January 2024, Seoul – The Philippine Embassy through its commercial counselor Mr. Jose Ma. Dinsay participated in a specialized panel hosted by The Economist to discuss the growing importance of rising Asian economies as regional business partners and the opportunities this presents for the future of South Korea. The event was limited to senior-level executives and members of the Economist Intelligence Corporate Network.

During the panel discussion, Commercial Counselor Dinsay discussed business opportunities in the Philippines for Korean companies in Electric Vehicles (EV) and EV batteries, mineral processing, electronics, and semiconductors. He also provided an overview of the incentives foreign investors will receive under the Philippines' Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act [CREATE].

The panel also highlighted the new era the signing of the PH-ROK Free Trade Agreement ushers in for business and private enterprises. A new pathway for deeper business and investor collaboration, the signing of the comprehensive and groundbreaking Philippines - Republic of Korea free trade agreement brings many economic advantages to both nations in areas such as the automotive industry, information technology and electronics, smart farms, and the public health sector. Signed on 7 September 2023 at the sidelines of the 43rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia, the PH-ROK FTA will also strengthen ASEAN-ROK economic ties and foster closer cooperation for prosperity in the region. END

PH EMBASSY HOLDS FORUM FOR FILIPINO STUDENTS ON EMPLOYMENT DOCUMENTATION PROCEDURES

Ambassador Ma. Theresa B. Dizon – De Vega delivers the Opening Message during the online forum on “D2 to E-visa: Opportunities and Documentation Requirements for Students Switching to employment visa” on 20 January 2024, held in cooperation with Pinoy Iskolars in Korea (PIKO)

20 January 2024, Seoul – The Philippine Embassy in Seoul and the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) held a special forum entitled “D2 to E-visa: Employment Documentation for Students Switching to Work Visa” on 20 January 2024 via zoom.

The pioneering online forum, which was organized in cooperation with the Pinoy Iskolars in Korea (PIKO), aimed to guide participants in navigating required processes and documentation when transitioning from student to work visa status.

In her opening message, Ambassador Ma. Theresa B. Dizon – De Vega conveyed the importance of keeping abreast and engaged with the changing policies on immigration in the Republic of Korea as well as the Philippine regulations on employment documentation for OFWs. “This seminar is part of the Embassy’s continuing efforts to educate, and by educating and informing, we are empowering our overseas Filipinos including our student sector,” the Ambassador said. Noting that there are a number of Filipino scholars and students who are transitioning, or have already transitioned to working visa status, Ambassador de Vega urged them to be continually informed of key developments and guided by existing regulations.

Vice Consul Jilliane Joyce D. Cornista presented the Policy Development and Opportunities for International Students in Korea, highlighting the directions under the 5-year Immigration Plan of the Korean Government. On the other hand, Labor Attache Ma. Celeste M. Valderrama, together with AS Manolo Barotilla of the MWO discussed the procedures on contract verification and obtaining Overseas Employment Certificates (OEC) for students who already are, or are planning to become OFWs.

In his closing message, PIKO President Kenneth Lagamayo thanked the Philippine Embassy for actively conducting information sessions, seminars, and activities that are responsive to the needs of the overseas Filipino community in South Korea, especially for the students. He re-affirmed the commitment of PIKO to promote the welfare of the overseas Filipino students and continually engage with the Embassy for this purpose. END

ASEAN Centrality, The Principle of ASEAN Diplomacy: ASEAN-Korea Centre commemorates the 35 th anniversary of ASEAN-Korea Dialogue Relations through the publication of “ASEAN Centrality”

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Philippine Embassy Meets with the Global Green Growth Institute’s Philippine Team

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19 January 2024, Seoul. Philippine Ambassador Theresa Dizon-de Vega called on the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) Country Representative in the Philippines Marcel J. Silvius and the GGGI Philippines Country Team on 15 January 2024 to discuss the progress of the GGGI’s Philippine Country Program and future collaboration on climate and sustainability projects.

Mr. Silvius briefed Ambassador Dizon-de Vega on the ongoing projects in the portfolio as well as plans for further partnership in key areas for cooperation particularly in focus areas such as building a climate resilient agriculture value chain, Solar PV, Green Industries, Climate Action, and Waste Management.

GGGI likewise presented the various projects in the Philippines in the National Capital Region, Bataan, Oriental Mindoro, Palawan, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Islands.

Ambassador Dizon-de Vega thanked the GGGI for its continued active engagement in the Philippines supported by a number of mechanisms such as its partnership with the Climate Change Commission (CCC), MOUs with local government partners, and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). She re-affirmed the Philippines’ commitment to working closely with GGGI on the Philippines transition to towards greater climate resiliency and inclusive green growth. END