SEOUL, South Korea - The Korean Broadcasting Institute (KBI), under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of South Korea, organized a three-day workshop on “The Future of co-Production Beyond the Prosperity” at the Grand Intercontinental Hotel.

“This workshop will surely lead to an increase in the awareness of diverse cultures within our regions through advanced technology in information and media, for it is our youth who will get the greater value of this endeavor,” said Philippine Ambassador Luis Cruz in the workshop held last September 3-5. Delegates from South Korea, China, Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, Myanmar, Brazil and the Philippines participated and discussed the joint production of programs on the said event as a way of cultural exchange and building a system for strong community relations in the region. National Broadcasting Network Manager Agerico Arias of the Philippines joined other delegates as they inked the joint production accord among the 10 participating countries. “Our country and South Korea have started sharing a few documentaries since last year, which paved the way to promoting culture, tourism and eventually investments,” Arias said. “We’ve showcased our way of living, stories of some Filipinas married to Koreans, and the fun and satisfaction that await a number Koreans who retire in the Philippines,” Arias added. On the other hand, Philippine-Korean Cultural House in Seoul (PKCH), headed by its PR manager Eunha Park, brought the Sulyapinoy Performing Team, which showcased Philippine folkdances like Subli and Cariñosa in support of the event. “South Korea is now welcoming the world as it gets multicultural, and we need to share the vast culture and the world-class talent of the Filipino migrants in an international meet such as this one,” Park commented. Also, Vu Thi Viet Hong of Vietnam serenaded the audience with her musical instrument called dan tranh, while the Mongolian performers showcased their national heritage musical drama. Meanwhile, Dioribon “Bong” Perocho, the Filipino interpreter of the Korean language for the Philippine delegates and a volunteer of the Hyehwadong Filipino Catholic Community in Seoul shared the good impressions of the media participants from other countries about the Philippine broadcasting programs which are highly appreciated in promoting culture and the arts. However, government support as the financing agency, aside from the broadcasting network, should focus on media and its important role in community development. Co-production should also provide opportunity in promoting diverse culture of the participating countries instead. The needed plans, study and research in order to achieve a better job in joint production were a few of the suggestions raised prior to the signing of the said accord. The Korean Wave or “Hallyu” has been a phenomenon among Asian countries including the Philippines and the initiative of the South Korean government and KBI in the agreement of co-production mutually benefit the 51,000 Filipinos in South Korea and the reported 100.000 Koreans in the Philippines.