17 February 2025, Seoul. The Philippine Embassy in Seoul, in coordination with the MWO-OWWA-Seoul, successfully conducted the Second Filipino Community Organizations’ Leadership Camp from 15 to 16 February 2025 at Sentro Rizal Hall. With the theme “Enhancing Community Emergency Preparedness and Security Awareness,” the event aimed to equip Filipino community leaders with essential skills in security preparedness, emergency response, and law enforcement coordination. 

In her opening remarks, Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega emphasized that the leadership camp serves as a crucial platform for community leaders to enhance their ability to identify and mitigate potential security risks, particularly in large gatherings and public events. She expressed her hope that the two-day training would not only reinforce community preparedness but also foster stronger collaboration among Filipino organizations in South Korea, ensuring a more united and proactive approach to safety, crisis, and emergency response. 

The camp was attended by over 110 Filipino community leaders representing at least 53 Filcom organizations, a significant increase in participation compared to the previous year. Key training sessions included personal and personnel security, facilitated by resource person Mr. Yves Samuel P. Orillaneda, which focused on self-protection and safeguarding fellow community members. On the second day, resource person Ms. Mildred C. Abordo led discussions on venue/site survey and security and quick and emergency response to attacks, providing insights into assessing venue safety and effectively responding to emergencies.

Participants engaged in practical exercises simulating real-life emergency scenarios to ensure they are well-prepared to respond to crisis situations and protect the welfare of their respective communities. Deputy Chief of Mission and Consul General Romulo Victor M. Israel, Jr., and Second Secretary Ernest Joseph P. Diga facilitated the session wherein participants practiced drafting a security plan for a simulated event, as well as a tabletop exercise to test their response strategies. The participants were divided into groups and conducted site visits to designated nearby shelters and performed essential emergency procedures during an actual evacuation or crisis.  

To enhance practical learning, Seoul Metropolitan Police Officer An Sung Pil provided an orientation on the proper procedures for reporting crimes, particularly those commonly affecting foreigners. He also shared vital information on emergency hotlines and key contacts to ensure timely assistance and response in critical situations. 

During the event, the Embassy also facilitated the recognition of four newly registered Filipino community organizations – the Filipino-American-Korean Organization in Korea, Pocheon Filipino Community, Abe-Abe, and Maseok Filipino Catholic Community. At least 15 other Filipino community organizations also renewed their registration. Also in attendance were Vice Consul Jill De Dumo-Cornista who moderated the program, MWO-OIC Manny Barotilla, and OWWA Welfare Officer Nel DG. Chanco. 

Since the inaugural leaders’ camp in March 2024, there has been a notable increase in participation and interest in community preparedness. Beyond security preparedness, the camp also provided a valuable opportunity for Filipino community leaders to build stronger networks and connections among themselves. The event also reinforced the strong partnership between the Philippine Embassy and Filipino community organizations, ensuring a more coordinated and efficient response in times of crisis. The Embassy looks forward to future coordination initiatives with the Filipino Community in South Korea. END