GOVPH

CAST MEMBERS OF RUNNING MAN PHILIPPINES VISITS PH EMBASSY; MEETS FILIPINO CREATIVES IN KOREA

SEOUL, 04 July 2022 — Ready, set, run! Philippine Ambassador Dizon-De Vega was pleased to receive the cast and crew of Running Man Philippines at the Embassy of the Philippines in Seoul on 4 July 2022. Creatives from the Filipino community including Noreen Garcia, Gennie Kim and Sid Antiquera in Korea were also in attendance and shared their experiences working as Filipino actors, talent scouts and managers as well as technical crew in the Republic of Korea.

Ambassador Dizon-De Vega shared her insights on current trends and opportunities in the region’s television, film, and Over-the-top media (OTT) industries and how Filipino talent stands out in this arena.  

Filipino actors Glaiza de Castro, Ruru Madrid, Lexi Gonzales, Kokoy De Santos, Angel Guardian, Buboy Villar, and Mikael Daez make up the official cast of Running Man Philippines. They were joined during the call by GMA Senior Vice President Ms Lilybeth Rasonable, Vice President Janine Naca, and Director Rico Gutierrez. Running Man Philippines is a spin-off of a long-time variety show in Korea of the same title where actors engage in performances and challenges in different settings to win a race. The show will be filming around Seoul and in other parts of Korea for the whole summer of 2022, in partnership with the Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS). END

OFWS IN KOREA ATTEND WEBINAR ON VISA MATTERS

9 July 2022, Seoul. The Philippine Embassy in Seoul, through the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), held on 3 July 2022 an online seminar on “Palit-Visa: How to Change from E9 to E7 and F2-99 visa” as part of its Labor Education Program. The webinar was organized in response to the numerous requests for guidance on how EPS workers can transition to a visa type that will allow them to stay and work in Korea for a longer period.

In her welcome message, Ambassador Theresa Dizon –De Vega underscored the importance of having correct information on the options available to Overseas Filipino Workers to maximize their stay in Korea in an orderly manner. “Organizing the seminar is a result of consultations with the Filipino community and other stakeholders on information that is important to them. It is also part the Embassy’s response to ensuring that the rights and welfare of our OFWs are protected”, the Ambassador said. With this learning session on visa matters, the Embassy hopes to provide important and timely information on how to navigate a viable pathway within the Korean immigration and labor point system and other regulations, Ambassador De Vega added.

During the webinar, Mr. Ernie David, a former EPS worker who recently obtained an E7 visa, shared his personal experience in transitioning to a new visa. “It was not as easy as I thought it would be. I was fortunate to have the support of my employer. If you want to change your visa category, you should demonstrate your competence as a skilled worker, plan and prepare well to achieve the labor points, and maintain a positive relationship with your employer”, advised Mr. David.

Mr. Jang Manik, a Licensed Administrative Agent, was the resource expert during the seminar. He presented in detail the basic eligibility requirements, annual quota, and quarterly schedule of application for E7 visa, and how the point system is applied. He also discussed the requirements for application in F2-99 visa which grants long-term residency to foreigners.

Labor Attache Maya Valderrama of POLO Korea and Director Katherine Corteza of the Itaewon Global Village Center (IGVC) co-facilitated the learning event which had 400 registered participants. The webinar was held in partnership with the IGVC and the Filipino EPS Workers Association (FEWA).

For interested viewers, the recorded webinar may be viewed via https://fb.watch/e6pTTxbJng/

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PHILIPPINE SOM LEADER ATTENDS 26TH ASEAN-ROK DIALOGUE IN SEOUL

SEOUL, 07 July 2022 — Philippine ASEAN Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM) Leader and Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Maria Theresa Lazaro attended the 26^th ASEAN-Republic of Korea Dialogue held in Seoul from 30 June to 2 July 2022. At the Dialogue, Senior Officials of ASEAN and the Republic of Korea renewed their commitment to broaden mutually beneficial cooperation for the success of the ASEAN-ROK strategic partnership.

PH SOM Leader Lazaro underscored the importance of regional and maritime cooperation and progress in the implementation of its action lines under the ASEAN-ROK Plan of Action 2021-2025. She welcomed working with the ROK and fellow AMS in enhancing maritime cooperation between both sides through various ASEAN-led mechanisms.

SOM Leaders likewise shared views on issues of common interest and concern, with a view to promote peace, stability and development in the region. Senior Officials of ASEAN also welcomed the commitment of the new Government of the ROK to forge closer cooperation with ASEAN.

The 26th ASEAN-ROK Dialogue was co-chaired by Director-General, Acting SOM Leader of Viet Nam, Vu Ho, and ROK Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Yeo Seung-bae.

Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Ma. Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega also joined the SOM meeting as a member of the Philippine delegation. END