30 June 2026, Seoul. Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez met with officials of the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) on 30 June 2026 to discuss the implementation of the Philippines–ROK Free Trade Agreement. 

Ambassador Fernandez welcomed ROK’s continued engagement and underscored the FTA’s importance as a key economic pillar of the Philippines–ROK Strategic Partnership, as well as a practical platform for expanding trade, investment, and industrial cooperation. The meeting covered efforts to increase FTA utilization by businesses, particularly MSMEs and exporters. Ambassador Fernandez also highlighted opportunities to advance cooperation in critical raw minerals, digital trade, startups, fintech, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, creative industries, content production, gaming, manufacturing, and other sectors where Korean technology and investment may be matched with Philippine talent, resources, and market opportunities. Ambassador Fernandez was joined by members of her economic team: Deputy Head of Mission and Consul General Edwin Gil Q. Mendoza, Second Secretary and Consul Reisha Olavario, Commercial Counselor Charmaigne Mignon S. Yalong, and Agriculture Attaché Lev Nikko Macalintal. END