22 March 2024, Seoul - The Philippine Embassy in Seoul, through the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) - OWWA, held the first-of-a-series of Post-Arrival Orientation Seminars for Employment Permit System (EPS) Workers for the year on 03 March 2024, Sunday, via an online session.

The activity is part of the Embassy's year-round labor education for OFWs in Korea that aims to inform and empower them about successful settlement and employment in the country. The post-arrival seminar complements and further reinforces the mandatory workers' education seminar provided to the Filipino EPS workers before their departure from the Philippines and immediately upon arrival in Korea.

In her opening message, Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega informed the participants about the significance of the information sharing session with the newly arrived EPS workers in the light of the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Korea this year. "We have many activities lined up for this milestone year starting this March, and in support of our efforts to strengthen our people-to-people ties, we aim to conduct more information sharing sessions that will promote understanding of the rights and obligations of every Filipino living and working in Korea, and promote their access to the programs, benefits and services provided by both the Philippine and Korea governments", the Ambassador said.

Vice Consul Jilliane Joyce D. Cornista presented the consular program and services being provided by the Embassy's Consular Section, while Welfare Officer Cornelia DG. Chanco and AS Manolo Barotilla discussed the program and benefits of OWWA membership and the procedures for common OFW transactions with the MWO, respectively. Labor Attache Ma. Celeste Valderrama discussed the recent policies on EPS and addressed the frequently asked questions regarding labor standards and insurances that cover EPS workers. Lastly, Director Katherine Corteza of the Itaewon Global Village Center (IGVC) presented important guidance and tips for successful living and working in South Korea, highlighting the culture, laws, regulations, and practices that should be understood and observed especially by the newly arrived OFWs in Korea.

The seminar also featured lessons and insights from experienced EPS workers, Jhomar Malabanan and Jun Owatan. Filipino EPS Workers Association (FEWA), the FilCom partner organization for the seminar, was represented by its President Jhumar Tablatin, who encouraged the new EPS workers to be diligent and open to learning new skills, and to set and focus on their goals in order to succeed.

New EPS workers are invited to join the second series of the Post-Arrival Orientation Seminar which will be held during the 2nd quarter of this year. -END-