8 February 2026, Seoul - The Philippine Embassy in Seoul, through the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) South Korea, successfully conducted a Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Training for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and Overseas Filipinos (OFs) on February 8, 2026, at the 2nd Floor, Sentro Rizal Hall, Philippine Embassy.  A total of sixty-four (64) participants actively took part in the life-saving skills training.

This meaningful activity was organized in partnership with the Itaewon Global Village Center, led by Director Katherine Corteza, and the Yongsan-gu Health Center, with Mr. Oh Jun Young as the lead trainer and Ms. Yoon Jeong Kim as interpreter.

The CPR Training is part of the “Alagang OWWA, Serbisyong may Puso” 10-Point Agenda of OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne M. Caunan, which aims to strengthen the safety, welfare, and preparedness of OFWs and their families abroad.

In her welcome message, Labor Attaché Atty. Rosemarie G. Duquez emphasized the importance of CPR as a life-saving skill:

“Ang CPR ay isang napakahalagang life-saving skill. Sa oras ng emergency—kapag may nawalan ng malay, hindi humihinga, o inatake sa puso—bawat segundo ay mahalaga. Kapag marunong tayo ng CPR, may chance tayong makapagligtas ng buhay habang hinihintay ang medical professionals.”

She reminded participants that OFWs often rely on each other in times of crisis:

“Para sa ating mga nasa abroad, mas mahalaga ito. Malayo tayo sa pamilya kaya kadalasan tayo-tayo ang nagdadamayan. Sa pamamagitan ng CPR training, mas nagiging confident tayo, mas handa, at mas may kakayahang tumulong sa kapwa OFWs, kaibigan, katrabaho, at kahit sinong nangangailangan.”

She further encouraged everyone to actively participate, ask questions, and take the training seriously, as the skills learned may one day save a life.

The keynote message was delivered by Chargé d’Affaires / Consul General Edwin Gil Q. Mendoza, on behalf of Ambassador Bernadette Therese Fernandez.

“CPR is more than a procedure; it is a first, decisive act of care that can bridge the chasm between danger and hope. By mastering CPR, our participants today become not only responders but beacons of reassurance for their loved ones and communities.”

He emphasized that the training strengthens family resilience and aligns with the Embassy’s mission to safeguard the health and dignity of Filipinos abroad.

He also highlighted the program’s Gender and Development (GAD) perspective:

“Lahat - babae, lalaki, at mga miyembro ng LGBTQIA+—ay may pantay na kakayahan at karapatang matuto at tumugon sa oras ng pangangailangan. CPR training should be accessible and empowering for all.”

He noted that inclusive participation, leadership, and safe learning environments are essential in building resilient communities.

In her closing message, Welfare Officer Cornelia D.G. Chanco expressed her sincere gratitude to all partners and participants:

“What we have learned today goes beyond information—these are life-saving skills that can be applied in the workplace, in our communities, and even in our own homes.”

She thanked the Yongsan-gu Health Center, the Itaewon Global Village Center, and all Embassy officials for their unwavering support. She reminded everyone that preparedness is a shared responsibility and that each person has the capacity to respond and act in times of need.

Lastly, through strong partnerships and dedicated leadership, the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, MWO, and OWWA continue to empower the Filipino community in Korea with practical, life-saving knowledge.

Together, we strengthen bayanihan abroad, protect one another, and build safer Filipino communities. 

Certificates of participation were awarded to the attendees upon completion of the training. END