28 July 2025, Seoul - The Philippine Embassy in Seoul donated a diverse collection of Philippine publications to the Seoul Metropolitan Library as part of its “Books As Bridges” Program—an initiative aimed at fostering cultural understanding and people-to-people ties through literature. 

The handover ceremony was held at the Seoul Metropolitan Library between Philippine Ambassador Ma. Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega and Library Director Oh Ji Eun. The donation consisted of books and publications on Philippine culture and history, travel and tourism, fashion, and children’s stories, carefully selected to offer Korean and international readers a deeper appreciation of the Philippines’ rich heritage and contemporary society.  

Other books donated included the Philippine Embassy 75th anniversary of Philippines-Korea relations commemorative publication “dáyo 이민자: Stories of Migration” and dual language children’s books by Ms. Nerissa Angeles in Korean and Filipino entitled “Biyaya ng Bundok Arayat”. Ms. Angeles is a Filipino Community leader from Goyang City and works as a Filipino interpreter at the Goyang Multicultural Family Support Center.

During the courtesy call, Ambassador Dizon-De Vega and Director Oh exchanged ideas on the role of literature and libraries in promoting intercultural dialogue. They also explored possible areas for future collaboration, such as hosting Philippine-themed exhibitions, author talks, and knowledge exchanges between the Seoul Metropolitan Library and institutions in the Philippines. 

Director Oh Ji Eun expressed her gratitude for the generous donation and recognized its value in enhancing the library’s international offerings, especially its collection on Southeast Asia. 

Ambassador Dizon – De Vega reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment in promoting cultural diplomacy and educational outreach in Korea, with the “Books As Bridges” Program serving as a platform to connect communities, inspire curiosity, and build mutual understanding between Filipinos and Koreans. 

This initiative forms part of the Embassy’s ongoing cultural diplomacy efforts, including the promotion of Philippine literature, heritage, and academic partnerships in Korea. The Embassy looks forward to future collaborations with Korean institutions that foster mutual appreciation and knowledge-sharing, reinforcing the long-standing friendship between the Filipino and Korean peoples. 

The Philippine Embassy is set to hold additional book donation ceremonies under its “Books As Bridges” program with various Korean institutions in the coming months. These upcoming events also form part of the Embassy’s celebration of “Buwan ng Wikang Pabansa at Kasaysayan” this August 2025. END.