21 May 2008 – Philippine Ambassador to Seoul Luis T. Cruz reported to the Department that, as the guest speaker representing the foreign community during the ceremony launching “Together Day” in South Korea on 20 May, he emphasized efforts to support foreigners living in South Korea in order to facilitate their adjustment as well as enhance understanding between foreign residents and Korean nationals.

The first-ever “Together Day” was designated by the “Act on the Treatment of Foreigners Residing in Korea,” a law recently enacted by the National Assembly in order to assist foreigners adapt to Korean society and promote mutual awareness of history and culture. The ceremony was attended by 1,500 participants from the Korean Government, representatives from embassies, immigrants through marriage, foreign workers, foreign students and the Korean public. “Each of us has unique experiences regarding the life of foreigners in South Korea,” said Amb. Cruz. “The Philippines, for instance, has approximately 50,000 of its nationals who have found a second home in South Korea as students, professionals, workers, spouses or missionaries.” "They each have a story to tell. And while there are admittedly challenges as South Korea opens up, a common thread in these stories is the relentless pursuit of the government and non-government organizations to create a foreigner-friendly environment,” he explained. Many relevant programs now exist at both of South Korea’s national and local governments. These include the provision of facilities where foreigners can congregate, regular cultural activities, medical assistance and legal guidance. More than one million foreigners currently live in South Korea, a country of 50 million.