03 August 2025, Seoul - The Philippine Embassy in Seoul joined the Pinoy Iskolars sa Korea (PIKo) in recognizing graduating and exemplary Filipino student-scholars in Korea during its bi-annual event entitled “Hayo at Gilas: Pagkilala sa mga Nagsipagtapos at Natatanging Pinoy Iskolars sa Korea (PIKo)” held on 03 August 2025 at the Sentro Rizal Hall, Philippine Embassy, Seoul.

In his welcome remarks, the Deputy Head of Mission and Consul General Edwin Gil Q. Mendoza offered valuable advice to the graduates, encouraging them to find their "new space and foothold" in an ever-evolving world shaped by innovation. He emphasized the critical importance of research in navigating this landscape and expressed the Philippine Embassy's eagerness to collaborate with PIKo on initiatives that foster intellectual growth, build a support system for Filipino researchers, protect their work, and encourage a culture of innovation and collaboration.

Also delivering a message was Mr. Arxel G. Elnar, who shared his personal experiences—both the challenges and triumphs—of studying in Korea, and how he overcame the difficulties of being a foreign student. Mr. Elnar, an exceptional scholar, recently completed his Integrated MS-PhD in Animal Science and Technology, Major in Animal Materials Engineering, at Chung-Ang University. He urged his fellow graduates to support one another in adapting to the ever-changing cultural landscape within and around Korean society.

Mr. Kenneth Lagamayo, former President and current adviser of PIKo, also addressed the attendees, reinforcing the organization’s mission of academic and personal support among Filipino students in Korea.

This year, PIKo celebrated the achievements of 18 graduates and honored an additional 15 students whose scholarly papers were published in various academic journals—reflecting the organization’s commitment to academic excellence and its pivotal role in fostering intellectual exchange within the Filipino-Korean communities.

For more information on PIKo’s programs and activities for Filipino students in South Korea, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/officialPIKO. END