16 June 2025, Seoul – The Philippine Embassy in the Republic of Korea participated in the Second Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM2) and Related Meetings of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) held in Jeju from 3 to 16 May 2025.

The Embassy assisted the Philippine delegation led by APEC Senior Official and Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs and International Economic Relations Charles C. Jose of the Department of Foreign Affairs. The delegation, comprising 45 officials from various agencies, actively participated in 25 working group meetings and three Minister-level events, including the APEC Education Ministerial Meeting (13–15 May), the APEC Human Resources Development Ministerial Meeting (11–12 May), and the Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting (15–16 May).

Throughout the two-week meetings, the Philippine Embassy in Seoul provided support to ensure the successful participation of the Philippine delegation and reaffirmed its commitment to the country’s priorities in the APEC 2025 process. 

Senior Philippine officials attending included Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Maria Cristina A. Roque, Department of Education (DepEd) Undersecretary Gina O. Gonong, and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Undersecretary Carmela Torres. The Embassy ensured logistical coordination and assistance throughout these high-level meetings.

During the Ministerial meetings, the Philippine delegation engaged in discussions on supporting the multilateral trading system, promoting inclusive policies through AI and digitalization, and enhancing public-private partnerships to address development gaps. The Embassy assisted in the holding of side engagements, including the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Trade, Economic, and Energy Cooperation between Secretary Roque and Republic of Korea MOTIE Minister Cheong In-kyo on 14 May 2025.

The MOU is expected to bolster joint initiatives in renewable energy, electric vehicle development, and critical mineral processing—strengthening bilateral cooperation following the implementation of the PH-ROK Free Trade Agreement.

The Embassy will continue to assist in the lead-up to the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM) in October 2025, hosted by the Republic of Korea. END