Suwon, 2 September 2018 ? The Philippine Embassy in Seoul participated in the 2018 Foreign Workers Festival on 02 September 2018 at the Suwon World Cup Stadium Central Square in Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. The Embassy was represented by Labor Attache Ma. Celeste M. Valderrama.

The annual event, which is hosted by the Human Resources Development Service of Korea (HRD Korea) and the Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL), aims to promote the Employment Permit System (EPS) and support foreign workers' stay in Korea.

The program was opened by HRD Korea President Kim Dong Man who conveyed his appreciation to all the foreign workers who greatly contribute to the productivity of small and medium companies in South Korea. The program was then followed by preparation of traditional japchae, a Korean noodle dish, led by the Ambassadors, Labor Attaches, and other HRD Korea officials.

Each of the 16 EPS-sending countries were also given the opportunity to showcase information materials, services, and national culinary delights in their respective booths, alongside counselling, medical, and other help-desks for foreign workers.

Two (2) competitions were held to showcase the talent and skills of EPS workers namely, KPOP and Traditional Culture performance. Philippines' Briane Isidro Torres, a Filipino EPS worker from Yangsan, and the Filipino Association in Gimhae Korea bagged First Prize in the KPop and Traditional dance contest, respectively.

At the end of the program, a ceremony was held to award two excellent foreign workers from Nepal and Sri Lanka. Two outstanding business owners were also recognized.


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