GOVPH

PH AMBASSADOR CALLS ON ROK PRESIDENTIAL ADVISOR FOR FUTURE STRATEGY

14 AUGUST 2023, SEOUL – Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea H.E. Maria Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega called on Senior Secretary for Future Strategy Jang Sungmin at the Yongsan Presidential Office on 14 August 2023 and discussed opportunities to strengthen political and economic links between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea. 

During the call, Ambassador Dizon-De Vega noted the historic and dynamic partnership between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea. She briefed the senior secretary on key priorities and other developments in the Philippines that will advance PH-ROK relations in political, defense, economic, and people-to-people relations.

The two officials also discussed developments in the Philippines that support increased trade and investment in agriculture, information communications technology, energy, green technology, defense industry, critical raw materials, and infrastructure. Both sides also looked forward to the completion of PH-ROK agreements that will further strengthen relations, including the signing of the PH-ROK Free Trade Agreement and the elevation of PH-ROK relations to a Strategic Partnership. 

Both sides also looked forward to high-level meetings and exchanges between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea in the lead-up to the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Secretary Jang stated that the ROK government recognizes the importance of the Philippines as a close partner in the Indo-Pacific Region. Senior Secretary Jang assured that ROK will continue to pursue initiatives to increase its engagement with the Philippines. END

PHILIPPINE EMBASSY WELCOMES THE PHILIPPINE SCOUT CONTINGENT TO THE 25TH WORLD SCOUT JAMBOREE AT “2023 SAEMANGEUM”

16 August 2023, SeaManGeum and Seoul – The Government of Korea and the Korea Scout Association hosted the 25^th World Scout Jamboree (WSJ), with this years’ theme “Draw Your Dream” from 01 to 12 August, 2023 in SaeManGeum, Jeollabuk province.

Considered the world’s largest youth camp, the participants, mainly scouts aged from 14 to 18 years from around the world meet every four (4) years. The WSJ gathered about 43,000 participants from the member countries of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM), representing 158 countries worldwide.

The Philippine contingent led by BSP National President and Head of Contingent of the PH Delegation Rep. Dale B. Corvera from the 2^nd District of Agusan Del Norte, sent four-hundred and one (401), delegates to participate in the 25^th World Scout Jamboree “2023 SaeManGeum”.

The Philippine contingent was composed of two-hundred and sixty-five (265) Scouts, one-hundred and thirteen (113) members of the International Service Team, nineteen (19) members of the Contingent Management Team and four (4) members of the Jamboree Planning Team.

On 02 August 2023, Ambassador Dizon- De Vega met and welcomed BSP National President and Head of Contingent Rep. Dale B. Corvera and his Delegation at the SaeManGeum campsite. Joining Rep. Corvera at the 25^th Jamboree were BSP National President and Former Vice President Honorable Jejomar C. Binay, Deputy Contingent Head Delegation and Senior Vice President of the BSPand SEC Chair Emilio B. Aquino, and former DBM Secretary Wendel E. Avisado, a Member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM), Asia Pacific Regional Scout Committee (APR RSC).

Also in attendance, were Honorable Members from the House of Representatives, Jose Alba, Peter Miguel, Jonathan Flores, Alfel Bascug, and Laarni Roque and DOTr Undersecretary Kim De Leon, in their respective capacities as officers of the BSP. Scout representatives from Quezon City, Metro Manila, Bacolod City, Cabanatuan City, Tuguegarao City, and Cagayan province participated in the WSJ. 

Ambassador Dizon-De Vega assured Rep. Corvera of the Embassy’s full support to the PH contingent for the duration of the WSJ. She also welcomed the young PH delegates to Korea, most of them attending the WSJ for the first time.

Ambassador Dizon-De Vega likewise attended the Welcome Reception for the Heads of the Diplomatic Missions and other distinguished guests followed by the Opening Ceremony with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and First Lady Kim Keon Hee as Guests of Honor. President Yoon delivered the welcome address, calling on all government bodies to ensure public safety throughout the 12-day event with a thorough inspection of facilities and execution of health and safety measures.

The jamboree was officially opened by Mr. Lee Hang-bok, Chief Commissioner of the 25^th WSJ, he said ‘from my young scouting years and becoming now your Camp Chief in this 25^th WSJ, I never stopped dreaming not only for myself but for the young people whom I praise to be of service through Scouting, aiming to have a peaceful and better world”.

U.N Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ in his video message, said, “This gathering brings together scouts from every corner of the world. And it arrives at a turbulent moment marked by conflicts, climate change, hunger, poverty, division and inequality. Today, more than ever, we need the timeless values that scouts embody. Responsibility. Diversity and inclusivity. Local and global citizenship”.

Other officials present were, the Governor of Jeollabuk-do and Organizing Committee Executive Chairman of the 25^th WSJ Mr. Kim Kwan-yung, Honorary Chairman of the 25^th WSJ Former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, ROK Gender and Equality Minister Kim Hyun-sook, and worldwide TV host and survivalist Bear Grylls, Chief Ambassador of World Scouting who delivered an inspirational message, he said, ”you are 50,000 strong tonight but remember we are part of a global family that is 57 million strong,” he added, “we are united by a movement, we are united by our shared promise, it is a promise that says we will make this world a better place”.

Outdoor activities (rock climbing, trekking, etc.), water activities (kayaking, swimming, beach sports, etc.), and indoor events (cultural shows, etc.), were held during the first week of the WSJ. In spite of the heatwave alert, the PH scouts adapted well in the face of the challenges and participated actively in the activities.

On 9 August 2023, in view of the approach of Typhoon Khanun and to ensure the safety and well-being of the scouts, the entire 40,000 plus delegates were relocated from the campsite to different locations closer to metropolitan Seoul. The PH Contingent with the swift action of the Gyeonggi Provincial Government and the Yong-in Special City Government were relocated to the Daewoong Management Development Institute (DMDI), Kyunghee University Dormitory, and the Kyonggi University Dormitory.

On 10 August 2023, the PH Contingent hosted a Philippine Cultural Night featuring performances by the Filipino scouts.

In addition, the Philippine Embassy in cooperation with MLD Entertainment Co., Ltd. organized for the Philippine Contingent a mini-concert featuring the P-Pop boy band HORI7ON and boy band TFN composed of Korean & Japanese artists. HORI7ON has been in Korea the past two months performing in concerts across Korea and guesting on Korean TV variety shows. 

The Philippine contingent ended its Jamboree participation on a high note by attending the Closing Ceremony and K-pop Concert at the Seoul World Cup Stadium. END

PHILIPPINE AMBASSADOR RENEWS CALLS FOR FAIR EMPLOYMENT AND SAFE MIGRATION UNDER THE EPS

14 August 2023, Seoul – Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Theresa Dizon-De Vega took part in the 2023 Employment Permit System (EPS) Conference held from 09-11 August 2023 in Busan, South Korea.  

The meeting, organized by Korea’s Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL) and the Human Resource Development Service Korea (HRDK) aims to facilitate further cooperation and knowledge sharing among the EPS sending countries. ROK Minister Lee Jung Sik conveyed the policy directions of the MOEL and pledged to take measures to protect the human rights and continuously improve workplace safety for migrant workers.

In her country statement, Ambassador de Vega called for fair employment and safe migration for all in line with the international commitments of the Philippines and the UN Global Compact for Migration. She advanced specific policy recommendations that would address issues being faced by EPS workers concerning workplace transfers, safety and health, repatriation, contract cancellation, and job roster selection system. “As we prepare for the 75th year of Philippines - Korea diplomatic relations and the 20th year of the Philippine-Korea MOU on EPS next year, the Philippines takes cognizance of the important role that the EPS has played in fostering cooperation on human resource development, productivity, and migrant workers protection between our countries. We remain highly committed to the improvement of the EPS for greater protection and welfare of our workers”, the Ambassador said.

The conference featured presentation by experts regarding the plans to reorganize the EPS and its future directions in the context of its achievements in the past twenty years, the demographic challenges in Korea, international labor commitments, and pressing issues faced by the industry. Among others, the EPS plans to expand the number of industries where E9 workers will be employed, and increase support for the development of workers’ language and vocational skills in order to warrant longer term employment.

Ambassador de Vega joined the HRDK Acting President, Young Joong Kim onstage during the launching of the HRDK’s new slogan, “Incorruptible EPS”, as well as the awarding of the EPS Excellence Awards wherein Mr. Jhumar Tablatin, Filipino EPS worker, was named the 2nd prize winner for the Worker category.

Labor Attaches of the EPS sending countries, including Ma. Celeste M. Valderrama of the Philippine Migrant Workers Office were also present during the EPS Conference.

The Philippines was the first government to sign the Memorandum of Understanding on EPS with Korea, and also sent the very first group of EPS workers to Korea in 2004. END