26 April 2026, Seoul, Republic of Korea. As part of the month-long celebration of the 44th Anniversary of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, through the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) and OWWA-South Korea, in partnership with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC)-Seoul, successfully conducted a Business Strategy Seminar on 31 May 2026 at the Sentro Rizal Hall, Philippine Embassy in Seoul.
A total of 53 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and Overseas Filipinos (OFs) attended the seminar, demonstrating their commitment to enhancing their entrepreneurial knowledge and preparing for long-term financial stability and reintegration.

In her welcome remarks, Labor Attaché Rosemarie G. Duquez expressed appreciation to the Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Seoul, headed by Commercial Counselor Ms. Charmaine Mignon Yalong, for its continued partnership in providing learning opportunities for the Filipino community in South Korea.
Labor Attaché Duquez emphasized that while having a business idea is an important first step, sustaining a business requires sound strategy, innovation, adaptability, and long-term planning. She encouraged participants to view entrepreneurship not only as a means of generating income but also as a pathway toward sustainable opportunities for their families and communities in the Philippines.

The event was graced by Her Excellency Ambassador Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez, who delivered an inspirational message emphasizing that education is a lifelong journey of learning and encouraging participants to continuously seek knowledge and opportunities for personal and professional growth. She likewise urged the participants to pay forward the knowledge and blessings they receive by sharing them with others and contributing positively to their communities.
Ambassador Fernandez further reminded everyone that “gawa tayo ng mabuti para sa ating bansa” by using the skills, experiences, and resources gained overseas to help build a better future for the Philippines. Her message underscored the important role of overseas Filipinos in nation-building and community development.

Serving as the resource speaker, Commercial Counselor Charmaine Mignon Yalong of the Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Seoul delivered a comprehensive discussion on business strategy and entrepreneurship. She emphasized the importance of identifying and understanding one's target market, noting that successful businesses are built on a clear understanding of customer needs, purchasing behavior, and market opportunities. She guided participants through practical approaches to evaluating potential customers, developing effective marketing strategies, and creating value propositions that distinguish a business from its competitors.

Commercial Counselor Yalong likewise discussed the fundamentals of building a strong business model, highlighting the importance of aligning business resources, processes, partnerships, and customer engagement strategies to achieve long-term sustainability. She underscored that while a business model explains how a business creates and delivers value, a sound business strategy enables entrepreneurs to remain competitive and adaptable in an evolving marketplace.

In addition, she provided insights on brand management and the role of branding in establishing a business identity, building customer trust, and creating lasting connections with consumers. Through real-world examples, case studies, and interactive workshop activities, participants were encouraged to apply the concepts learned in developing their own business ideas and strategic plans. The session concluded with a group presentation exercise, where participants demonstrated their understanding of business planning, business modeling, and branding by presenting innovative business concepts and strategies.
The program concluded with closing remarks from Welfare Officer Cornelia D.G. Chanco, who commended the participants for their active participation and encouraged them to continue pursuing opportunities for financial growth and entrepreneurship.

The seminar was professionally hosted by Administrative Staff Jaylord M. Caronan, who served as the Master of Ceremonies and facilitated the smooth flow of the program from opening to closing with technical support provided by Local Hire Kim Kyung Soo.

The Philippine Embassy, MWO, OWWA-Korea, and PTIC-Seoul remain committed to empowering OFWs and Overseas Filipinos through capacity-building initiatives that promote entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and successful reintegration. END