14 June 2023, JEJU ISLAND - Philippine House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez met with members of the Filipino community living in Jeju lsland, South Korea on 1 June 2023.

During the meeting, Speaker Romualdez assured the Filipino community that the Philippine government, under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., continues to prioritize the welfare of Overseas Filipinos, especially in discussions on sustainable peace and development.

"In recent days, we have had a great discussion about regional security, economic development, and the important role that sustainable development plays in peace and security in general. At the center of our discussions is the importance of the welfare of our countrymen, including Filipino migrants living in the Republic of Korea. We are aware of the fact that the peace and prosperity of this country can only be achieved if there are effective strategies that will protect, elevate, and uphold your rights as migrants in the Republic of Korea. The Philippine government welcomes this challenge and is ready to cooperate in ensuring that the welfare of Filipinos in Korea is safeguarded," the House Speaker said.

He likewise gave tribute to the Filipino community as the Republic of Korea has regained its number 1 spot as source of incoming tourism arrivals to the Philippines, owning a 25% share of the over-all number by saying, "You probably helped a lot to encourage more Koreans to see our beautiful country. Lahat po kayo ay ambassador ng Pilipinas sa bansang ito. Kung maraming Korean na pumupunta sa atin, ito ay dahil nakita nila ang kabutihan ng mga PIlipino na nandito ngayon."

Speaker Romualdez also assured the audience that the Philippine Embassy under the leadership of Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega who was also present in the activity stands ready to assist overseas Filipinos living in Korea. He likewise informed the Filipino community that the congress recognizes the Embassy's efforts in delivering quality services to and uplifting the lives of the 59,000 Filipinos living in South Korea.

Joining the Speaker in meeting the community were members of the 19th Congress, including Hon. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez, Chairperson on Committee on Accounts, TINGOG Partylist, Hon. Glona Labadlabad of Zamboanga Del Norte, 2nd District, Hon. Emigdio Tanjuatco III, 2nd District of Rizal, Hon. Ma. Alana Samantha T. Santos, North Cotabato, 3rd District, Hon. John Tracy Cagas, Davao Del Sur Lone District. Hon. Peter B. Miguel South Cotabato 2nd District, Hon. Shernee A. Tan-Tambut, Partylist KUSUG TAUSUG, Hon Princess Rihan M. Sakaluran, Sultan Kudarat 1st District, Hon. Maria Carmen S. Zamora, Davao de Oro, 1st District, Hon Antonio "Tonypet" T. Albano, Isabela 1st Distrct, and Hon. Jonathan Clement Abalos, 4Ps Partylist. END