30 October 2025, Busan, Republic of Korea- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., joined by First Lady Louise Araneta - Marcos, met with over 270 Filipinos in South Korea during a community gathering held alongside the APEC Summit in Gyeongju. Filipinos from as far as Goyang, Paju, and Jeollanam-do filled the Wyndham Grand Hotel with cheers and chants, setting an atmosphere of warmth that underscored the strong connection between the administration and Filipinos abroad.

Ambassador Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez opened the event, followed by the introduction of key Cabinet officials accompanying the President. In his address, President Marcos called the meeting the “most meaningful part” of his trip, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the sacrifices, resilience, and dedication of Filipinos in Korea. He assured them that overseas Filipinos remain central to his administration’s development priorities.

The President also highlighted his economic agenda at APEC, emphasizing efforts to attract investments that will create jobs and expand opportunities back home. He reaffirmed the government’s focus on upskilling Filipino workers—especially in digital, science, and technology fields—toward a future where working overseas becomes a choice rather than a necessity. “The Filipino worker is as good as you can find anywhere in the world,” he said. 

In a major announcement, President Marcos unveiled two new initiatives for Filipinos in South Korea: the establishment of an SSS office at the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, and the forthcoming opening of a Philippine Consulate in Busan to deliver consular services closer to Filipinos in the south.

The President closed by thanking the community for uplifting the nation’s image through their discipline, excellence, and love for their homeland. The event ended with warm exchanges and photos with the President and First Lady—capping an evening of gratitude, pride, and renewed hope for Filipinos in Korea and beyond.END.