GOVPH

PH EMBASSY HOLDS TRADITIONAL INDEPENDENCE DAY RECEPTION FOR THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS, KOREAN, AND INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS

14 June 2022, Seoul - The Philippine Embassy in Korea held its first traditional Diplomatic Reception in three years. The event was held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Itaewon, Seoul with 200 guests from the diplomatic corps, the Korean Government, and partners of the Philippines in the economic, security, political, cultural, educational, artistic, labor, agriculture, tourism, media, and other fields. 

In her toast remarks, Philippine Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega recalled the sacrifices of Filipino heroes as well as modern-day Filipinos as they navigate the increasingly complex path towards a peaceful, just, progressive, and sustainable future. She likewise celebrated the enduring and historic ties between the Philippines and Korea forged during the Korean War and moving ever forward. The Philippines and Korea mark 73 years of diplomatic relations and will commemorate a milestone 75 years of ties in 2024.

Korean Defense Acquisition Program Authority (DAPA) Minister Kang Eun-Ho and Trade, Industry, and Energy Deputy Minister Dr. Chun Yoon-Joong offered congratulatory remarks on the occasion. They joined Ambassador Carlos Victor Bongou, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and also Non-resident Ambassador of Gabon to the Philippines and Director General Cecilia Chung of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a ceremonial cake-cutting with Ambassador De Vega.

Cultural performances by vocalist Mr. Yuli Leonor and the Pearl of the Orient and Filipino Catholic Community of Seoul cultural groups further enlivened the occasion. Some of the guests also danced the popular folkdance "Tinikling" with the performers. 

Philippine cuisine, drinks, and fruits were enjoyed by the guests while Cebu Pacific Airlines gave away two roundtrip tickets for Seoul to Manila for the evening's lucky draw.

Other major Philippine events this month include starting this week an interactive travel promotion event organized by the Philippine Department of Tourism Korea office with the support of travel industry partners at the newest and trendiest mall in Korea - The Hyundai Seoul from 14 to 20 June. There will likewise be a Filipino Community Leaders’ Forum on 18 June to be held in person for the first time in more than two years in Seoul in time for Philippine Independence Month and Migrant Workers’ Month and the commemoration of the birth anniversary of Philippine national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal at the Sentro Rizal-Seoul on 19 June. END

PH EMBASSY IN SEOUL COMMEMORATES THE 124TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PROCLAMATION OF PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE

12 JUNE 2022, Seoul – The Philippine Embassy in Seoul celebrated the 124^th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence at the Embassy grounds with a series of events starting with a flag-raising ceremony led by Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega with officers and staff of the Embassy and heads of attached services.

In Independence Day message livestreamed via the Embassy’s official Facebook page, Ambassador Dizon–De Vega recalled the heroism and valor not only of the nation’s forebears who secured for the country the gifts of freedom and democracy but also the present-day Filipinos, particularly overseas Filipinos who responded resiliently to the challenges of the more than two-year pandemic. The Ambassador added, “On this special day, as we commemorate our solidarity and our unity as a nation and as a people, I hope that you will all individually take time to reflect upon the legacy of our heroes of the past and present especially our community here in the Republic of Korea, because all of you in your own ways are continuing to rise towards the challenges of a new beginning”.

The Ambassadors' message was followed by the reading of the Independence Day messages from DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez by Commercial Counselor Jose Ma. Dinsay, DND Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana by Defense and Armed Forces Attaché Colonel Enriqueto R. Deocadez Jr, DOLE Secretary Silvestre H. Bello by Labor Attaché Ma. Celeste M. Valderrama, DFA Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. by Consul General Romulo Victor M. Israel and President Rodrigo R. Duterte by Ambassador Dizon - De Vega.

On the same day, Ambassador Dizon-De Vega delivered brief Independence Day Remarks for the Filipino Community at the Filipino mass held at Hyehwa-Dong Catholic Church in Seoul. END

PHILIPPINE AMBASSADOR WELCOMES NEW EPS WORKERS IN THE 2ND POST-ARRIVAL SEMINAR

07 June 202, Seoul. The Philippine Embassy welcomed another batch of Filipino EPS workers who recently arrived in Korea during the 2^nd Post Arrival Orientation Seminar (PAOS) dubbed as “Labor Seminar Para Sa Mga Bagong EPS Workers”. The two-part virtual seminar was held on 29 May and 05 June 2022 and attended by around 250 workers.

In her Welcome Message, Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega once again affirmed the Embassy’s commitment to ensuring the welfare of EPS workers who have waited for a long time to be deployed in Korea due to the pandemic. “We have customized this special orientation program for you. We will not only discuss the labor laws in Korea, but all the support services available to you from the Philippine and Korean governments and the Filipino community. We also have a special session wherein you will be able to firm up your goals and financial plans because we believe these are key to your successful journey as EPS workers,” the Ambassador said.

In Part 1 of the seminar held on 29 May 2022, the new EPS workers were apprised by Consul General Romulo Victor Israel Jr., Welfare Officer Aniceta Deuna and AS Manny Barotilla on the services and programs rendered by the Philippine Embassy and POLO OWWA for OFWs. Guest labor attorney Sue Hee Kim then explained the provisions of the employment contract and explained Korean laws on hours of work, leave, wages, social protection and separation.

In Part 2, held on 05 June 2022, the virtual seminar discussed practical ways on how to make their employment and stay in Korea gainful and productive. Mr. Ernie Docot, an EPS worker for 10 years and a FilCom leader from the Gwangju, Jeollanamdo Philippine Community, encouraged participants to continuously learn new skills, adjust to Korean work ethics, participate in FilCom activities, and avoid vices and scams. This was followed by a workshop on setting one’s personal goals facilitated by Labor Attaché Maria Celeste Valderrama, and a discussion on Financial Planning which was handled by Professor Joeffrey M. Calimag. Pag-IBIG Member Services Officer James Lumantas talked about how OFWs can maximize the compulsory and voluntary savings under MP2.

To help the workers navigate their new environment, Director Katherine Ann Corteza of the Itaewon Global Village Center presented the services and contact information of Korea’s support centers for foreign workers which offer, among others, free language and skills training, and counseling on labor, immigration, and police matters. Consul General Romulo Victor Israel Jr. concluded the seminar by inviting the new workers to choose and be involved in the various Filipino Community Organizations which also lend support to all Filipinos living and working in South Korea.

“Napakalaking tulong po itong seminar na ito sa amin. Nabago po ang aming kaisipan, at naunawaan ang kahalagahan ng mga serbisyo at pagpaplano sa simula pa lamang”, one of the participants wrote. 

The Philippine Embassy, through the Philippine Overseas Labor Office – OWWA, will hold the 3^rd PAOS for succeeding new EPS workers in October 2022. -END-