EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC
OF THE PHILIPPINES


SEOUL REPUBLIC OF KOREA

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PHILIPPINE RETIREMENT AUTHORITY PROMOTES THE PHILIPPINES AS PREMIER RETIREMENT DESTINATION FOR KOREANS


Officials from the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA), including General Manager and CEO Roberto “Bob” Zozobrado paid a courtesy call on Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega at the Philippine Embassy in Seoul. The Ambassador was joined by Third Secretary and Vice Consul Reisha Olavario, Third Secretary and Vice Consul Jillian Joyce Cornista, Philippine Department of Tourism Director Corazon Jorda-Apo, and Commercial Attaché Charmaigne Mignon S. Yalong during the call. GM Zozobrado was joined by Mr. Mervin A. Magbuhat, Division Chief III together with the GM’s Executive Assistant, Mr. Dionisio D. Valerio Jr, and Ms. Madeline De Vera.

Seoul, 3 February 2025 – Officials from the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA), including General Manager and CEO Roberto “Bob” Zozobrado paid a courtesy call on Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega at the Philippine Embassy in Seoul to discuss efforts to promote the Philippines as a premier retirement destination for Korean retirees.

During the meeting, PRA officials provided updates on the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) program and ongoing initiatives to attract more South Korean retirees to the Philippines. With our warm climate, affordable cost of living, high-quality healthcare, and welcoming community, the Philippines has become an attractive option for Koreans seeking a retirement haven in Southeast Asia.

Ambassador Dizon-De Vega expressed full support for PRA’s initiatives, emphasizing the Embassy’s role in strengthening awareness among the Korean public about the benefits of retiring in the Philippines. 

PRA hopes to create more linkages and potential partnerships with Korean stakeholders and clients to enhance the retirement experience for Korean nationals in the Philippines. END 

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PHILIPPINES, PARAGUAY AFFIRM COMMITMENT TO DEEPEN BILATERAL AND MULTILATERAL COOPERATION

Seoul, Republic of Korea – Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, H.E. Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez called on Non-Resident Ambassador of the Republic of Paraguay to the Philippines H.E. Miguel Angel Ubaldino Romero Alvarez on 28 January 2026 at the Paraguay Embassy in Seoul to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in regional and multilateral fora. During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on enhancing political dialogue, economic engagement, and people-to-people ties. The discussion highlighted Paraguay’s role as current President of MERCOSUR and growing opportunities for collaboration with ASEAN, including prospects for trade cooperation, sustainability initiatives, and carbon market mechanisms. A shared commitment to a rules-based international order, peaceful settlement of disputes, and respect for international law was likewise underscored. 

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PH AMBASSADOR RECEIVES ROK IPU SECRETARY GENERAL CANDIDATE, MR. SANGSOO JUN

26 January 2026, Seoul–Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea H.E. Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez received Mr. Sang-soo Jun, the Republic of Korea’s Candidate for Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), in a courtesy call at the Philippine Embassy in Seoul on 26 January 2026. During the meeting, Mr. Jun shared his vision for a more inclusive and future-ready IPU, underscoring the importance of parliamentary cooperation in addressing global challenges such as climate change, sustainable development, gender equality, good governance, and responsible fiscal management. He likewise highlighted the role of digital innovation, including e-parliament and AI-enabled parliamentary systems, in strengthening democratic institutions, particularly in developing countries.

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PHILIPPINE EMBASSY IN SEOUL JOINS 44TH INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMS DAY

23 January 2026, Seoul–Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez joined Korea Customs Service (KCS) Commissioner Myeong-ku Lee, senior officials, and members of the diplomatic corps in celebrating the 44th International Customs Day on 23 January 2026 at Novotel Ambassador Seoul Gangnam. The event underscored the vital role of customs in securing and facilitating global trade—a field of growing cooperation between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea. In his address, Commissioner Lee highlighted that modern customs go beyond processing goods, serving as a critical function for trade facilitation, supply chain security, and public safety. He also noted KCS’s use of artificial intelligence and digital technologies to improve efficiency, inspections, and risk response. These initiatives align with the Philippines’ customs reform efforts and ongoing collaboration with the KCS, including information exchange, capacity-building, and technical cooperation to strengthen enforcement, risk management, and trade facilitation. END

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