Seoul, 7 June 2026 - As part of the pre-celebration activities for the 31st Migrant Workers Day, the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, through the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), successfully conducted the On-the-Spot Slogan Making Contest and On-the-Spot Poster Making Contest on 7 June 2026 at Sentro Rizal, Philippine Embassy in Seoul. Six participants competed in the slogan-making contest, while ten participants showcased their artistic talents in the poster-making contest. The contestants consisted of EPS Workers, Caregivers, and Professors all coming from different parts of Korea like Seoul, Gimpo, Hwaseong, Ansan, and Paju. The program also featured the special Migrant Workers Day messages of Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac and OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne “PY” Caunan, who recognized the invaluable contributions of OFWs and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to their welfare and protection.

In her opening remarks, Ambassador Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez highlighted the significance of the contests as part of the broader celebration of Migrant Workers Day and the upcoming Philippine Independence Day festivities. She encouraged participants to use their creativity to express their experiences, aspirations, and love for country, emphasizing that participation is not solely about winning but also about fostering camaraderie and sharing meaningful experiences as OFWs. Labor Attaché Rosemarie G. Duquez likewise paid tribute to OFWs as modern-day heroes and underscored the importance of providing platforms where their journeys of sacrifice, resilience, hope, and success can be highlighted. She further expressed hope that the activity would inspire greater appreciation for OFWs and strengthen the sense of community among Filipinos abroad.

The event was further enriched by the presence of a distinguished panel of judges composed of Consul General Edwin Gil Q. Mendoza, Agriculture Attaché Lev Nikko Macalintal, Second Secretary Antonio Villareal Jr., and SSS Representative Jonnah Cruzada. Serving as the Special Guest Judge was renowned Filipino modern folkloric artist Mr. Aris Bagtas, whose expertise and experience in the arts provided valuable insight during the evaluation of the entries. The Philippine Embassy extends its sincere appreciation to all the judges for their time and support, and especially to Mr. Bagtas for generously sharing his knowledge and encouraging Filipino migrant workers to express their stories and experiences through art.

During the contest proper, participants demonstrated remarkable focus and creativity as they worked on their entries. Slogan-making contestants were given one hour and thirty minutes to craft messages that reflected the theme “Bayan, Bayani, Bayanihan,” while poster-making participants had two hours to visually depict the “Mukha ng OFW sa South Korea.” The room was filled with concentration as contestants quietly devoted themselves to their work, carefully choosing each word, color, and detail to express their thoughts and stories as OFWs.

Closing the event, Welfare Officer Cornelia DG Chanco commended the participants for their creativity and patriotism, noting how the slogans and posters reflected the many faces and experiences of OFWs in South Korea. She emphasized that the contests were not only a showcase of talent but also an expression of love for the Philippines and a tribute to the hard work and sacrifices of Filipino migrant workers. She also invited the community to witness the announcement of the winners during the Philippine Independence Day and Migrant Workers Day celebration on June 14, 2026 at the Seoul Battleship Park.

The event served as a meaningful reminder of the creativity, resilience, and enduring Filipino spirit of our OFWs. The Philippine Embassy remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting the welfare of OFWs and providing meaningful platforms where their talents, experiences, and contributions can be recognized, celebrated, and shared with the Filipino community in South Korea. END