ANSAN CITY, 15 June 2014 – Philippine Ambassador to South Korea Raul S. Hernandez joined the Ansan Filipino Community (AFC) in its celebration of Father's Day at Wongok-dong Church in Ansan City.

In his remarks after mass, Ambassador Hernandez echoed the sermon of AFC chaplain Fr. Felixberto Perez, Jr. and encouraged overseas fathers to stay strong and resolute amid the loneliness of working abroad. "I have an open door policy, the Philippine Embassy is open to all Filipinos in Korea, it is your home away from home." Ambassador Hernandez told 500 OFW parishioners hearing mass, adding that they consider him the father of all Filipinos living in Korea. The AFC honored Ambassador Hernandez and all the fathers attending the church service. Ansan City, an industrial area 30km south of Seoul, is also known as the Multicultural City as it is home to a large number of migrant workers under the Employment Permit System (EPS) working in nearby factories. As of March 2014, Korea Immigration statistics indicate that there are 50,507 registered foreigners in Korea, mostly Chinese, ethnic Koreans, Vietnamese, Nepalese and Uzbeks. The number of registered Filipinos composed of EPS workers and Filipino-Korean spouses is 1,222. Founded in 1991, the Ansan Filipino Community (AFC) is guided by the Galilea Migrant Workers Pastoral Center in its activities. The Center helps foreign workers and spouses of any religious denomination and regardless of visa status. Father Jun, as Fr. Perez is fondly called, runs the Center and serves as the adviser of the AFC. The AFC, headed by President is Ms. Jennet Cacayuran, is an alliance of six community organizations in Ansan: Vismin Association, Batangas Association, Kapampangan Brotherhood Association, Filipino Migrant Workers Association in Siheung, Baguio Association and Ansan Filipino Taekwondo Association.