06 February 2025, Seoul. The Philippine Embassy in Seoul recently held its first Financial Literacy Seminar for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in South Korea for 2025 last 01 February at the Sentro Rizal Hall. This marks an important activity for the Philippine Government’s advocacy toward further empowering the Filipino community with essential financial tools. This event, entitled "Financial Management Entrepreneurship & Investment Seminar," was organized by the Embassy, through the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) – South Korea, in partnership with the Diaspora International Christian Ministries (DICM) under the Embassy’s flagship PEAK Pinoy Program.

The seminar drew a strong turnout of over 75 participants. It is the first in a series of financial literacy seminars intended to provide OFWs with guidance on personal finance, investment opportunities, and developing entrepreneurial skills. The initiative aims to support their financial stability and success while aligning with the Philippines’ whole-of-government approach in its Reintegration Program for OFWs.

Two prominent financial experts, Mr. Chinkee Tan (known as the Pambansang Wealth Coach and Chink Positive) and Rev. Dr. Ariel C. Bernardo (a multi-awarded OFW and Huwarang OFW Coach), led the seminar, focusing on topics like "Pinoy Cultural Syndrome in Handling Money" and personal financial management strategies.

In her welcome remarks, Ambassador Ma. Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega emphasized the importance of financial literacy and entrepreneurship for the Filipino community in South Korea and highlighted that this seminar is part of the Embassy's PEAK Pinoy program, a collaborative effort of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, Migrant Workers Office (MWO), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Philippine Agriculture Office (PAO), and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Seoul, to provide entrepreneurship and reintegration options for OFWs in South Korea. She encouraged participants to apply what they learned to manage their finances better and protect themselves from scams or misleading "get rich quick" schemes.

During the Q&A session, attendees engaged with the speakers about their own financial challenges, seeking practical advice on how to improve their financial management and achieve their personal goals.  

The program was concluded by MWO Officer-in-Charge Manolo Barotilla with the message that the seminar is an important part of the Embassy's broader effort to equip OFWs with the tools they need to succeed financially and make informed decisions about their futures.

The Philippine Embassy’s commitment to supporting the financial well-being of Filipinos abroad was reinforced by the success of this event, with plans for further initiatives like future training, Know Your Rights and Responsibilities sessions, and seminars under the PEAK Pinoy program. END.