8December 2023, Seoul. Ms. Katherine Corteza, Director of the Itaewon Global Village Center (IGVC), was conferred the prestigious 2023 Seoul Honorary Citizenship Award by the Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) represented by Mayor Oh Se-hoon, on 8 December 2023. In attendance during the ceremony was Philippine Ambassador to South Korea Theresa Dizon-De Vega, Third Secretary and Vice Consul Jilliane De Dumo-Cornista, Labor Attache Ma. Celeste M. Valderrama, Mr. Kim Eun Sook, and IGVC Officer Ms. Grace Heo.

The SMG acknowledged Ms. Corteza's unwavering dedication and exceptional contributions to cultural understanding and community integration within the international enclave of Itaewon. She was also cited for her exemplary leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she advocated for a special vaccination schedule for foreign workers who were unable to take leave from work, which resulted in the Center holding vaccination programs for foreign residents in Seoul with the support of the SMG and Yongsan-gu Office.

Ambassador Dizon-De Vega said that the Embassy nominated Ms. Corteza for her outstanding contributions to the community and her unwavering dedication to promoting multiculturalism and the well-being of foreign residents in Korea. She also hoped that Ms. Corteza's recognition would not only celebrate her achievements, but also inspire others to follow in her footsteps.

Ms. Corteza's recognition aligns with Seoul's long-standing tradition of bestowing honorary citizenship upon foreign nationals contributing significantly to the city's development. Since its inception in 1958, more than 900 individuals from 100 countries have received this honor. The 15 individuals selected in 2023, including Ms. Corteza, exemplify dedication to community welfare and assistance to foreign nationals, playing pivotal roles in Seoul's growth. Honorary citizens are invited to key city events and participate in administrative decision-making that fosters mutual cooperation between Seoul and its diverse community of global citizens. END