SEOUL, 19 September 2021 - Philippine Ambassador-designate Ma. Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega met with Human Resource Development Korea (HRDK) President Soobong Uh and HRDK Director General of the Foreign Workforce Bureau Park Dong-Jun on 17 September 2021 at the HRDK headquarters in Seoul. Since 2004, the Embassy of the Philippines in Korea has closely worked with the HRDK for the protection and welfare of Filipinos working in the Republic of Korea (ROK) under the Employment Permit System or EPS.

During the meeting, Ambassador-designate De Vega informed the HRDK that the Philippines places great importance on the 17-year EPS relationship between the ROK and the Philippines and appreciated that the ROK continues to value the skill and competency of Filipino workers.

Ambassador-designate De Vega also highlighted that the Philippines, as a staunch advocate of the protection of the rights and promotion of the welfare of migrants, and as one of the Global Compact for Migration Champion countries from the Asia-Pacific region, appreciates the ROK's Employment Permit System and its positive impact on the global migration framework.

Both sides discussed the importance of upskilling, Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET), labor issues in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and future collaboration in the Embassy's reintegration preparedness programs for EPS workers.

The HRDK informed Ambassador-designate De Vega that Filipino workers in the ROK enjoy a good reputation, in fact, one of the highest among Asian countries. Ambassador-designate De Vega was pleased to receive this information and added that Filipino workers are also disciplined and can be expected to follow strictly ROK government rules and regulations.

Both sides had a frank and productive discussion on the way forward for Filipino workers under the EPS who are affected by current COVID-19 entry restrictions. Ambassador-designate De Vega raised the concerns of EPS workers and reiterated the proposed special measures conveyed to the Korean government to hopefully pave the way for the gradual resumption of entry of Filipino EPS workers to Korea.

Ambassador-designate De Vega also provided President Uh a copy of the letter of DOLE Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III to the ROK's Ministry of Employment and Labor requesting cooperation on the resumption of deployment of Filipino EPS workers, along with the expression of the PH government's readiness to work with the ROK on the resumption of entry of Filipino EPS workers.

At the end of the meeting, HRDK President Uh invited Ambassador De Vega to visit the HRDK offices and some factories in Ulsan, the pandemic situation permitting. HRDK President Uh also expressed that he looks forward to visiting the Philippines again, and meeting with members of the PH Labor and Employment cluster once the travel situation permits.

Ambassador De Vega stated that the Embassy intends to continue this close cooperation with the HRDK. Joining the Ambassador-designate at the meeting were Labor Attache Maria Celeste M. Valderrama and Third Secretary and Vice Consul Reisha Olavario. END.