06 February 2023, Seoul - The Philippine Embassy in Seoul, together with POLO OWWA, and other attached agencies held its first regular Leaders Forum for the year on 04 February 2023. More than 70 leaders representing the Filipino community organizations and migrant support network from the different areas in South Korea attended the forum which was held in a hybrid online and face-to-face gathering at the Embassy's Sentro Rizal Hall.

In her opening message, Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega said that the year 2023 brings many changes, challenges, and opportunities. The Ambassador welcomed the establishment of the newly-created Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) now transitioning into a fully operational agency which aims to bring about more cohesive policies and processes in addressing employment, welfare, and other assistance concerns of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). She noted the possible forthcoming changes in entry regulations to Korea and the impact on the Filipino community as well as the growing need for social safety nets. There are likewise challenges and opportunities in advocating for greater multiculturalism. She encouraged Filipinos in Korea to maximize opportunities for greater two-way tourism in the Philippines.

The Embassy likewise invited the Filipino community to be active participants in the commemoration of 75 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Korea in 2024. "Amidst this period of challenges, and opportunities, the Embassy remains highly committed to serve and respond to the growing needs of our Filipino community in Korea in partnership with our active and engaged Filipino community organizations", the Ambassador said.

Embassy officers and heads of attached agencies presented recent updates on consular and labor matters, overseas voting registration, emergency preparedness, and general health and entry/exit protocols. Activities for the first half of the year including PEAK Pinoy sessions, Know Your Rights and Responsibilities seminars, Livelihood Skills Trainings, Outreach Missions, Post-Arrival Orientation, Balik Saya Para sa OFWs sa South Korea from OWWA, and Bisita, Be my Guest project of the Philippine Tourism Department. An open forum provided an opportunity for the FilCom leaders, including those participating online, to discuss their concerns and suggestions which were responded to by the Embassy.

Ambassador de Vega likewise announced the holding of an in-person 125th Philippine Independence and 28th Migrant Workers Day celebration in June, and the Summer School and Palarong Pinoy in August. She called for volunteers from the community to be part of the various Committees for these events. The leaders expressed interest to support the different tasks identified.

Ms. Mishka Camulte a Filipino performer based in Seoul rendered a song number and FilCom participants were given a tour of the newly-renovated consular, cultural, ATN, and main lobby sections of the Embassy designed to provide more comfortable spaces for kababayans visiting the premises. END