Latest News | Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Seoul Republic of Korea

EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC
OF THE PHILIPPINES

SEOUL REPUBLIC OF KOREA

news

March 25, 2026

PH AMBASSADOR MEETS GREEN CLIMATE FUND OFFICIALS IN SONGDO

19 March 2026, Songdo - Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez met with senior officials of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) led by Mr. Hemant Mandal, Director of the Asia and the Pacific Region, at their headquarters in Songdo, Incheon for cordial exchange on the Philippines’ cooperation with the Fund and shared efforts to advance climate resilience and sustainable development. The meeting underscored the importance of continued collaboration in supporting climate action and strengthening access to climate finance for vulnerable and developing countries, including the Philippines. The meeting with GCF officials also highlighted the productive partnership between the Philippines and the Fund. Prior to the meeting, Ambassador Fernandez also met with Filipino professionals working in the GCF. The Philippine Embassy in Korea is proud to note that Filipinos serving in the GCF continue to make valuable contributions across the institution. Widely recognized for their professionalism, technical expertise, dedication, and collegiality, Filipino professionals have helped support the Fund’s work in meaningful ways and remain a source of pride for the Filipino community in the Republic of Korea. Their strong presence in the GCF reflects the high regard for Filipino talent in international organizations and the important role they play in advancing global climate and development initiatives. The Philippine Embassy in Korea looks forward to the continued strengthening of this cooperation and reaffirms its support for initiatives that promote resilience, sustainable growth, and inclusive development for communities most affected by climate change. END

March 24, 2026

PH AMBASSADOR MEETS UN HUMAN RIGHTS REPRESENTATIVE

17 March 2026, Seoul - Ambassador Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez received Mr. James Heenan, Country Representative of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Seoul on 17 March 2026 at the Philippine Embassy in Seoul for an introductory call and exchange of views on regional issues, including developments on the Korean Peninsula, human rights concerns, and the work of international mechanisms in Seoul. The discussion underscored the Philippines’ constructive engagement in multilateral processes and its role as ASEAN Chair in supporting dialogue, regional cooperation, and stability. Ambassador Fernandez reaffirmed the Philippines’ support for peaceful and constructive approaches that uphold human dignity, foster mutual understanding, and contribute to regional peace and stability. END

March 23, 2026

PHILIPPINE PCSO CHORALE WINS GRAND PRIX AT THE 2026 KOREA INTERNATIONAL CHOIR COMPETITION

SEOUL, 15 March 2026 – The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Chorale brought pride and honor to the Philippines after being named Grand Prix Champion at the 2026 Korea International Choir Competition (KICC), held from 26 February to 2 March 2026 in Songdo, Incheon, Republic of Korea.

March 19, 2026

PH CONSUL GENERAL TO BUSAN LEAH VICTORIA T. CARADA ARRIVES IN KOREA

17 March 2026, Busan - The Philippine Embassy in Seoul warmly welcomes the arrival of Consul General Leah Victoria T. Carada, who assumes leadership of the Philippine Consulate General in Busan.

March 19, 2026

PH EMBASSY DONATES PHILIPPINE PUBLICATIONS TO NATIONAL ASSEMBLY LIBRARY OF KOREA

26 February 2026 - The Philippine Embassy in Seoul turned over a collection of Philippine publications to the National Assembly Library of the Republic of Korea on 26 February 2026 to strengthen knowledge exchange and parliamentary diplomacy. Ambassador Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez presented the books to Chief Librarian (Vice Minister) Hwan Jeong Geun during a meeting at the National Assembly. The donated titles, which include publications from the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Foreign Service Institute, cover Philippine history, arts, culture, and foreign relations. The National Assembly Library expressed appreciation for the contribution and indicated plans to organize a future exhibition featuring the donated books and Philippine cultural heritage. Ambassador Fernandez underscored the importance of expanding Philippine resources within the National Assembly Library to support informed understanding of the Philippines among Korean legislators and policy researchers. “Informed understanding is the foundation of effective parliamentary dialogue,” the Ambassador said. “By strengthening Philippine resources within the National Assembly Library, we hope to contribute to deeper appreciation of the Philippines’ governance, economic reforms, and vibrant cultural heritage.” Ambassador Fernandez also highlighted that the donation of art books is timely, as the Philippines celebrates national arts month in February. Established in 1952, the National Assembly Library is one of Korea’s premier legislative research institutions, holding more than 8.5 million volumes and over 420 million pages of digital resources that support policy research and parliamentary work. END

March 18, 2026

Seoul PE joins the 2026 National Women’s Month Celebration

08 March 2026, Seoul — The Philippine Embassy in the Republic of Korea joins the celebration of the 2026 National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC) and International Women’s Day Celebration in March with the sub-theme “Lead Like the Babaylans, Filipinas!” This theme reaffirms that women’s leadership is a fundamental part of Filipino identity. Just like the Babaylans in pre-colonial Philippines, women today continue to play a vital role in shaping society.

March 18, 2026

STUDENTS FROM DULWICH COLLEGE SEOUL BRITISH SCHOOL VISIT THE PHILIPPINE EMBASSY

9 March 2026, Seoul - The Philippine Embassy had the pleasure of welcoming a class of Year 4 students and teachers from Dulwich College Seoul, a British international school with approximately 747 students representing around 45 nationalities. The visit formed part of the school’s learning program aimed at helping young students better understand global cultures, governance, and international relations. The visiting group consisted of 23 students aged eight years old and three teachers. The students are currently studying governance, guided by the central inquiry question: “Who has the power to change the world?” The embassy visit provided them with a unique opportunity to learn firsthand about diplomacy and the role of international cooperation in shaping global affairs.

March 17, 2026

PHILIPPINES CHAMPIONS REGIONAL SOLIDARITY AND MULTILATERALISM FOR GREEN GROWTH

10 March 2026, Seoul - The Philippine Embassy in Seoul and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) held a ceremony at GGGI’s headquarters in Seoul to commemorate the Philippines' inaugural voluntary core contribution. This landmark event marks the first instance of a Global South nation providing core funding to GGGI, signaling a significant evolution in South-South climate cooperation and international solidarity.

March 16, 2026

PHILIPPINES HIGHLIGHTS ROLE OF WOMEN IN NATION-BUILDING AT SOOKMYUNG UNIVERSITY’S INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY FORUM

11 March 2026, Seoul – Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea H.E. Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez joined fellow heads of mission as a panelist at the International Women’s Day Forum hosted by Sookmyung University, marking the university’s 120th anniversary. Held under the theme “Global Solidarity for Equality and a Sustainable Future,” the forum convened diplomats and academic leaders to exchange perspectives on advancing gender equality through global cooperation and the critical role of universities in shaping inclusive and sustainable societies.

March 15, 2026

Cebu-Filmed Drama “Boyfriend on Demand” Released(Ranks No.1 on Netflix Korea Top 10 Series Immediately After Release)

The Netflix series “Boyfriend on Demand”, starring Jisoo and Seo In-guk and filmed in Cebu with production support from the Philippine Department of Tourism, was released globally on Netflix on March 6. Part of the series was filmed on location in Cebu, featuring a variety of scenic landscapes throughout the drama, including the island’s beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, and coastal roads. Several scenes highlight the destination’s resort atmosphere, such as moments where the main characters enjoy surfing along the beach or share a romantic dinner overlooking the ocean, vividly capturing Cebu’s charm as a tropical getaway. Following its release, “Boyfriend on Demand” quickly ranked No.1 on the Netflix Korea Top 10 TV Series, while also entering the Netflix Top 10 charts in around 50 countries, according to the global OTT ranking site FlixPatrol. The romantic comedy series, which also features Seo Kang-jun and Lee Soo-hyuk, follows the story of Seo Mi-rae (Jisoo), a webtoon producer who is too exhausted from everyday life to pursue romance. Through a “dating subscription service,” she embarks on new encounters and exciting dates, leading to unexpected relationships and emotional moments. Dr. Erwin F. Balane, Tourism Attaché of DOT Korea, said, “We supported this production as part of a content collaboration initiative aimed at introducing one of the Philippines’ leading resort destinations through the global influence of Korean dramas. With the drama featuring stunning beaches, resorts, and coastal scenery throughout the story, viewers will naturally experience the relaxed and vibrant atmosphere unique to the Philippines”. He further noted that the series, starring Korean Hallyu stars Jisoo and Seo In-guk, is expected to serve as an effective platform to further promote the Philippines to audiences in Korea and around the world.

March 13, 2026

Philippines Assumes Chairmanship of ASEAN-Korea Centre Council

Seoul, 11 February 2026 – H.E. Bernadette Therese Fernandez, Ambassador of the Philippines to the Republic of Korea, as Council Director of the Philippines, formally assumed the chairmanship of the ASEAN-Korea Centre (AKC) Council during the 18th Annual AKC Council Meeting held at the Westin Josun Seoul on 11 February 2026. Following the handover, Ambassador Fernandez, as the new Chair, presided over the proceedings, which reviewed the AKC's 2025 accomplishments—including 38 programs—and approved the 2026 Annual Work Program and Budget. Outgoing Chair, Council Director of Malaysia Fairuz Adli Mohd Rozali commended the AKC's role in deepening ASEAN-ROK ties, while H.E. Kim Jae-shin, AKC Secretary-General, highlighted key 2026 projects such as the ASEAN Hall in Jeonju and the launch of the ASEAN Officials Trade Academy.

March 11, 2026

PH Embassy in Seoul Celebrates Filipino Scholars at the Woojung Education and Culture Foundation Scholarship Program Awarding Ceremony

26 February 2026, Seoul, Republic of Korea — The Philippine Embassy in the Republic of Korea joined in celebrating Filipino scholars at the Awarding Ceremony of the Woojung Education and Culture Foundation Scholarship Program for the Second Semester of 2025, held on 26 February 2026 at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry Building in Seoul.

March 10, 2026

PH AMBASSADOR JOINS PRESIDENT FERDINAND R. MARCOS JR. IN WELCOMING ROK PRESIDENT LEE JAE MYUNG TO THE PHILIPPINES

Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez was honored to join President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in welcoming ROK President Lee Jae Myung to the Philippines for his State Visit from 3 to 4 March 2026, which coincided with the celebration of 77 years of Philippines–Republic of Korea relations.

March 08, 2026

FILIPINO CADETS GRADUATE WITH HIGH HONORS FROM ROK MILITARY AND NAVAL ACADEMIES

27 February 2026, Seoul and Changwon, ROK. The Philippine Embassy in Seoul congratulates Philippine Cadet 1st Class Guidson T. Domingo of the Korea Military Academy (KMA) and Philippine Midshipman 1st Class Lemuel H. Ego-ogan of the Republic of Korea Naval Academy (ROKNA) on their graduation on 27 February 2026, reflecting the continued excellence of Filipino cadets in premier ROK military institutions and the enduring strength of Philippines–Republic of Korea defense cooperation, including academic exchanges between our armed forces.