10 January 2023 - OUMWA Acting Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega with Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega and POLO-OWWA OIC Manolito Barotilla, took part in the celebration of the 15th Foundation Day of the Association of Filipino Educators in Korea (AFEK) led by current President Prof. Joeffrey Maddatu Calimag held at the Sentro Rizal Hall of the Philippine Embassy on 28 December 2022.

AFEK fosters educational and cultural exchanges and relationships between the Republic of the Philippines and the Republic of Korea. During the celebration of AFEK's foundation day, its members were able to dialogue with Philippine government officials on employment, research, and other academic concerns as Filipino educators in the Republic of Korea.

Ambassador Dizon-De Vega congratulated and thanked AFEK for its efforts in promoting Philippine educational studies and institutions in Korea as well as the establishment of educational partnerships between the two countries. AFEK's active work in the ASEAN Korea Centre's Academic Network and its contributions in the editing of the book "Katatagan: Tales of Faith, Strength, and Resilience of Filipios in South Korea" published in 2021.

Acting Undersecretary De Vega who delivered Keynote Remarks spoke about the transition to the Department of Migrant Workers in 2023 and continuing programs and services for the Filipino diaspora. He also replied to some of the concerns raised by Filipino educators during an open forum.

The Philippine Embassy in Seoul continues to support the undertakings of a growing and thriving community of Filipino educators and academics in the Republic of Korea.
END