GOVPH

Philippine Specialty Arabica, Fine Robusta, and Kapeng Barako (Liberica) Beans star in Korea during the Coffee Expo Seoul 2023

12 April 2023, SEOUL – Philippine Specialty Arabica, Fine Robusta, and Kapeng Barako (Liberica) Beans were the main stars at the Philippine Country Pavilion during the Coffee Expo Seoul 2023, Korea's Biggest Coffee Show in the first half of the year held at the COEX on 5-8 April 2023. Through the Department of Trade and Industry, the Philippines was chosen by the Expo Organizers as the Guest Country for this year’s expo to attract the trendy Korean coffee consumers looking for new flavors and craft products. 

During the event, guests at the country pavilion experienced the Philippines through the taste and aroma of coffees from different regions and provinces of the country, such as the Cordilleras, Batangas, Bukidnon and Davao. Also featured were complimentary products like coconut sugar, coconut creamers, hot chocolate, premium dark chocolate bars, and healthy fruit snacks. 

One unique cafe product launched in the country pavilion and attracted many Korean consumers is the flavorful, all-natural, and vegan drink freshly prepared using 100% pure Cacao tablea, all-natural Coconut sugar and easy-melt Coconut Creamer, all sourced and made in the Philippines. 

DTI likewise featured specialty “green coffee beans” which is becoming increasingly popular in Korea. 

Our delegates were overwhelmed by the feedback they received from a number of importers, distributors, retailers, cafe owners, and consumers who conveyed their strong interest in our coffee beans and other products featured at the Country Pavilion. 

In-demand products were fine robusta, coconut milk, coconut sugar, liberica beans, baked fruit chips, specialty chocolate bars, and single-origin Arabica. 

The Korean VIPs that visited the Philippine Pavilion included the presidents of COEX Mr. Lee Dong Ki, the Coffee Association of Korea Mr. Song Chang Yoon, and the Korea Coffee Roasters Association Mr. Hae Ryang Jung.

DTI Regional Directors Juliet Lucas and Flor Gabunales led the Philippine delegation. Philippines Ambassador Theresa Dizon-de Vega and DA Director Gerald Glenn Panganiban also visited the Ph pavilion and met with the delegates. 

In partnership with the organizers of the 2023 Coffee Expo, the Philippines also conducted a seminar during the event to introduce Philippine Coffee. 

The country's participation was organized by the Department of Trade and Industry through the Export Marketing Bureau, Regional Operations Group and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Seoul, in collaboration with the Philippine Embassy in Seoul and the Philippine Agriculture Office-Korea. END

PHILIPPINES REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO DEMOCRACY AND RULE OF LAW IN FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION AT THE 2ND SUMMIT FOR DEMOCRACY

Top: Undersecretary Jesus Domingo delivers the Philippine country statement at the at the Indo-Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption Meeting of the Second Summit for Democracy held in Seoul on 30 March 2023. Middle and bottom: The Summit was attended by President Yoon Suk Yeol. Foreign Minister Park Jin with Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega and Undersecretary Jesus Domingo. DFA Deputy Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Affairs Arnel G. Talisayon and Third Secretary Reisha Olavario also joined the Philippine delegation.

08 April 2023, SEOUL - The Philippine Embassy in Korea, led by Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega, was honored to join PH head of delegation, DFA Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Affairs Jesus S. Domingo, at the Indo-Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption Meeting of the Second Summit for Democracy held in Seoul on 30 March 2023.

The meeting was attended by Republic of Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol, Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Park Jin, Indonesia Foreign Minister Retno L.P. Marsudi, and United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai, along with other high-level representatives from the Indo-Pacific region.  During the Summit, Undersecretary Domingo reaffirmed the commitment of the Philippines to promoting democracy and the rule of law in the fight against corruption. 

“The Philippines recognizes the importance of an approach that integrates sound legislation, greater transparency and accountability aided by technology and the institutionalized participation of an active and engaged citizenry and civil society,” stressed Undersecretary Domingo. “The fight against corruption will provide impetus to a fair, effective, accountable and transparent government institution which will deliver sustainable development for our peoples,” he concluded.

The Second Summit for Democracy, co-hosted by the US, Republic of Korea, Costa Rica, the Netherlands, and Zambia, is a follow up to the December 2021 Summit and renewed the commitment of participating countries to pursue and implement a global agenda that includes the protection of democratic institutions, promotion of human rights, and enhanced public access to the Internet, among others. The Third Summit for Democracy will be hosted by the Republic of Korea. 

The Indo-Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption Meeting adopted the Seoul Declaration on Challenges and Progress in Addressing Corruption, which drew attention to the role of international cooperation, non-governmental stakeholders, financial transparency and integrity, and technology in strengthening global and national anti-corruption initiatives.

While in Seoul, Undersecretary Jesus Domingo together with Deputy Undersecretary Arnel Talisayon also met with officers of the Embassy and heads of Philippine attached agencies to discuss civilian security and consular concerns. The delegation likewise conducted a site visit to the Boramae Safety Experience Training Center to learn about Republic of Korea’s best practices in training civilians for disaster risk and reduction management. END

Top: Undersecretary Jesus Domingo met with officers of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul and heads of concerned attached agencies to discuss consular and civilian security concerns. Middle and bottom: Undersecretary Domingo and Deputy Undersecretary Talisayon during the site visit to the Boramae Safety Training Center. 

SENIOR DEPUTY SPEAKER GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO AND CONGRESSIONAL BLOC VISIT BUSAN, REPUBLIC OF KOREA

07 April 2023, BUSAN - Former President and Senior Deputy Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo together with members of the Central Luzon Congressional Bloc visited Busan, Republic of Korea on 25 March 2023. The parliamentary delegation was welcomed by Busan Mayor Park Hyeong Joon, Busan Ambassador for International Relations Jaehyun Shin, and members of the Busan World Expo 2030 Committee.  

Addressing officials from the Busan Metropolitan Government who welcomed the delegation, Senior Deputy Speaker Macapagal-Arroyo shared that since the time she was President, the Philippines and the Republic of Korea’s relations have continued to flourish through deeper partnership across all areas, from political, economic, to people-to-people ties. She likewise conveyed that the Republic of Korea will always hold a special place for the Philippines owing to our shared history of fighting for peace and stability during the Korean War. 

Busan is the Republic of Korea’s second-largest city with a large Filipino migrant community. Mayor Park for his part assured the congressional delegation that the Busan Metropolitan Government will continue to work on strengthening PH-ROK relations in the years to come. END