The Official Website of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, Korea

PH EMBASSY AND MWO-SEOUL UPDATE EMPLOYERS ON NEW ACCREDITATION PROCEDURES

Amb. Theresa Dizon-De Vega and Labor Attaché Celeste Valderrama welcome participants at the briefing; Mr. Manny Barotilla and Mr. Apolonio Gabino brief Korean employers on new accreditation procedures

13 February 2023, Seoul – The Philippine Embassy in Seoul, through the Migrant Workers Office (MWO)-OWWA, conducted a briefing for Korean employers on the streamlined verification procedures for the accreditation of foreign principals and other updates on 08 February 2023 at the Embassy’s Sentro Rizal Hall.

Ambassador Theresa Dizon – De Vega welcomed the participants to the first in-person activity with Korean employers after the pandemic. She informed them about the creation of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) under which the MWO (formerly POLO) now belongs, and the policy reforms that it is undertaking as the new Philippine institution in charge of regulating the participation of the private sector in hiring Filipinos and promoting the welfare of Filipinos who are working overseas. “It is important to inform the foreign employers about the new Philippine guidelines for a better understanding of the procedures”, the Ambassador said. She likewise enjoined the employers to help in protecting the rights of workers and enabling them to join the various seminars and trainings conducted by the Philippine Embassy.

According to Labor Attaché Ma. Celeste Valderrama, the MWO will now be applying the new accreditation procedure, including standards and schedules for jobsite inspection and interview of employers, and issue the Accreditation Certificate to eligible Korean employers, pursuant to the DMW Memo Circular 16 s. 2022.

The employers expressed appreciation for the briefing, and conveyed their unanimous support for the implementation of the new accreditation procedures. -END-

EMBASSY AND FILIPINO COMMUNITY LEADERS PARTICIPATE IN PILOT EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS SEMINAR AT THE BORAMAE SAFETY EXPERIENCE CENTER

Ambassador Dizon-De Vega together with the Boramae Safety Experience Center Director Jeong Jinki and the rest of the participants from the Philippine Embassy and Filipino community leaders in Seoul.

Seoul, 11 February 2023. Personnel of the Philippine Embassy, led by Ambassador Ma. Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega, together with Filipino Community leaders based in Seoul and neighboring areas, participated in the pilot session of the emergency preparedness seminar held at the Boramae Safety Experience Center (BSEC) on 3 February 2023. A second batch underwent the same training on 10 February 2023.

Located within Boramae Park, the BSEC runs a disaster experience program aimed to enhance disaster preparedness by immersing participants in simulated environments of various disasters such as earthquake, typhoon, fire, strong winds and rain, and traffic accident, among others, and which were patterned after real-life disasters experienced in ROK. The participants were oriented on handling emergency equipment such as fire extinguishers, gas masks, fire escape pulleys, etc. A specialized training on cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other first aid techniques were also provided.

To enhance the capacity of its personnel and assist the Filipino community in ensuring their safety in emergency situations, the Philippine Embassy will continue to promote emergency preparedness in partnership with relevant institutions in Korea.

The Philippine Embassy plans to roll-out similar training activities for Filipino community organizations at various safety centers throughout South Korea. END

EMBASSY MEETS WITH IOM CHIEF OF MISSION ON GLOBAL MIGRATION POLICIES AND CONCERNS

Ambassador Dizon-De Vega and IOM Chief of Mission Steve Hamilton, joined by Embassy officers Consul General Jun Israel, Vice Consul Jill De Dumo-Cornista and Migrant Workers’ Attaché Maya Valderrama

07 February 2023, Seoul. The Philippine Embassy team, led by the Ambassador Ma. Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega, met with Mr. Steve Hamilton, Chief of Mission of the International Organization for Migration (IOM)-South Korea, to discuss global migration policies and concerns, and how to better respond to them.

Both agreed that the need for post-pandemic policies on migrant integration, support, education, protection, and welfare remain at the forefront of global migration concerns. Ambassador Dizon-De Vega said that one of the key initiatives of the Philippines in 2023 is the operationalization of the newly-created Department of Migrant Workers to better serve all categories of Filipino workers. In Korea, among the Embassy’s priority programs will be in support of the overseas Filipino community including workers, marriage migrants, students, and professionals based in South Korea.

Ambassador Dizon-De Vega and IOM Chief of Mission Mr. Hamilton agreed to work together in support of programs for Filipino migrants in South Korea. END

POPULAR KOREAN DIGITAL ARTISTS VISIT THE PHILIPPINE EMBASSY

[L-R] Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega together with Ms. Nayoung Wooh and Mr. Na Seung Hoon during their courtesy call on 06 February 2023 at the Philippine Embassy. Third Secretary and Vice Consul Reisha L. Olavario joined the Ambassador during the courtesy call.

07 February 2023, Seoul – Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega warmly welcomed popular Korean digital artist Nayoung Wooh and cartoonist Na Seung Hoon at the Philippine Embassy in Seoul on 06 February 2023.

Ms. Wooh presented some pieces she created for her special exhibit in the Philippines last 2022 at the Korea Cultural Center in the Philippines. The series of artworks were inspired by Filipino folktales and Ms. Wooh’s fond memories of traveling to and diving in the Philippines. Mr. Na Seung Hoon, will conduct art related activities and workshops in the Philippines in May.

Ambassador Dizon-De Vega likewise shared updates on the Philippines’ vibrant and evolving art scene. In pursuit of the Embassy’s cultural diplomacy initiatives, the Philippine Embassy is encouraging Filipino artists to visit and showcase their work in various art galleries in Korea. END