PHL EMBASSY AND PINOY ISKOLARS SA KOREA HOLD ROUNDTABLE ON CONCERNS OF FILIPINO SCHOLARS IN KOREA, November 15, 2025Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Seoul Republic of Korea

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PHL EMBASSY AND PINOY ISKOLARS SA KOREA HOLD ROUNDTABLE ON CONCERNS OF FILIPINO SCHOLARS IN KOREA

June 20, 2025

15 June 2025, Seoul. The Philippine Embassy in Seoul, in collaboration with Pinoy Iskolars sa Korea (PIKo), successfully held a Roundtable Discussion on the Present and Future of Filipino Scholars in South Korea on 15 June 2025 at the Sentro Rizal Hall.

The event brought together at least 40 Filipino scholars, industry professionals, and representatives from government and non-government institutions across Korea in a focused dialogue to discuss challenges, share lived experiences, and explore future directions for Filipino international students.

In her opening remarks, Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega emphasized the importance of strengthening protection and support mechanisms for Filipino scholars in Korea, and underscored the value of the roundtable as a platform for surfacing key issues and identifying paths for advancement.

During the first session, scholars Mr. Justin Migo Dolot, Mr. Joon Shin Amangan, and Ms. Princess Rai discussed pressing concerns currently faced by Filipino scholars, including financial sustainability during their studies. The second session tackled the post-graduation transition of Filipino scholars. Panelists Ms. Dawn Patrice Naval, Ms. Janine Balbedina, and Mr. Kenn Arcenal highlighted challenges in entering the Korean labor market and transitioning to other long-term visa categories. Breakout sessions were also held, emphasizing the potential of engaging PIKo alumni and former scholars for mentorship, policy advocacy, and professional growth.

Later, Directors Bia Lee of the Foreigners in Korea Support Center and Katherine Corteza from the Itaewon Global Village Center also updated the participants on their efforts to advocate for student welfare and support smoother employment transitions and deeper societal integration. Also in attendance during the event was Third Secretary and Vice Consul Jill De Dumo-Cornista, who also serves as PIKo’s Adviser.

Moving forward, the Philippine Embassy will continue its close collaboration with PIKo and the broader Filipino student community. It remains committed to advocating for stronger institutional support and deeper policy dialogue to improve the academic and post-academic experiences of Filipino scholars in the Republic of Korea. END

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November 13, 2025

PRESIDENT MARCOS HONORS FILIPINO KOREAN WAR VETERANS AT THE UNITED NATIONS MEMORIAL CEMETERY IN KOREA

Busan, Republic of Korea - H.E. Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., President of the Republic of the Philippines, paid tribute to the valor and sacrifice of Filipino soldiers who served in the Korean War (1950–1953) during a solemn visit to the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Korea (UNMCK) in Busan on 2 November 2025. President Marcos, accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, was received by Ambassador SUH Jeong-in, Custodian of the UNMCK. Also in attendance were Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, Secretary of the Presidential Communications Office Dave O. Gomez, and Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez. Representing the Government of the Republic of Korea was Minister Kwon Oh-eul of the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs (MPVA). At the Philippine marker within the cemetery grounds, President Marcos laid a wreath and offered prayers in honor of the 7,420 Filipino soldiers who served under the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK). The President paid special tribute to the 116 Filipino servicemen who gave their lives in the line of duty, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with their Korean and United Nations comrades in defense of peace, freedom, and democracy. The President also visited the Wall of Remembrance, where he read the names of the fallen Filipino PEFTOK heroes, some of whom hailed from his own hometown, before bowing his head in silent reflection. In the UNMCK guest book, President Marcos wrote:“We honour the Filipino soldiers of PEFTOK who valiantly fought and died shoulder-to-shoulder with their Korean comrades for freedom and democracy. Let us honour their legacy with lives that hold these principles still true. Mabuhay!” Following the ceremony, President Marcos and the First Lady participated in a ceremonial tree-planting at the Garden of the Heads of State, symbolizing the enduring friendship between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea and the lasting peace and solidarity forged through shared sacrifice. The visit reaffirmed the Philippines’ enduring commitment to peace, democracy, and international solidarity. It also underscored the shared history and steadfast friendship between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea, forged in the crucible of war and strengthened by a common dedication to peace and prosperity. The Philippines was among the first countries to send troops to the Korean Peninsula in 1950, deploying five battalion combat teams under PEFTOK as part of the United Nations Command. The courage and sacrifice of the 7,420 Filipino soldiers remain a proud testament to the Philippines’ unwavering contribution to global peace and security. The United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Korea is the only UN-designated memorial cemetery in the world and serves as the final resting place for over 2,300 soldiers from 14 nations who fought under the UN Command during the Korean War. The Philippines’ participation and continuing remembrance reflect the depth of the two nations’ historical ties and their mutual commitment to the values of democracy and peace. END

November 11, 2025

PH AMBASSADOR RECEIVES ROK CANDIDATE TO THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE, JUDGE JIN HYUN PAIK

SEOUL, 6 November 2025 — Ambassador-designate Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez received Judge Jin Hyun Paik, the Republic of Korea’s candidate to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for the 2027–2036 term, during a courtesy call at the Philippine Embassy in Seoul.

October 30, 2025

SECRETARY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS MA. THERESA P. LAZARO ARRIVES IN KOREA FOR THE APEC MINISTERIAL MEETING

BUSAN, 29 October 2025 — Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro arrived in Busan on 29 October 2025 to participate in the 36th APEC Ministerial Meeting (AMM) to be held in Gyeongju, Republic of Korea, from 29 to 30 October 2025.

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