SEOUL, 27 November 2016 ? The Embassy of the Philippines in Seoul co-organized with the Philippine Inter-Agency Committee-Month of Overseas Filipinos (IAC-MOF), chaired by Ms. Carmelita Nuqui, together with the support of Filipino Community organizations in Korea, led by the overall coordinator, Ms. Gennie Kim, the International Forum on Migration for resident Filipinos on 27 November 2016 in Myeongdong district in central Seoul.

With the theme "OFs as Culture Bearers: Tunay na Malikhain, Matatag, at Masipag," this year's inaugural forum focused on how Overseas Filipinos, recognizing their influence, can harness their potential as ambassadors of Philippine culture.

In his inspirational remarks, Philippine Ambassador to Korea Raul S. Hernandez underscored how OFs can help positively impact development through the culture, skills, and experience that they bring.

"Whether you are here in Korea as a worker, as student, or a marriage immigrant, you bring with you not just your talent, skills, and intelligence, but also your creative ideas, your broad understanding of other cultures, your identity, and your roots - all of which are necessary drivers of a durable and equitable growth and development," he said.

"So do not think that you are just merely transiting in this country but appreciate the fact that your stay in this country, albeit for a short time, has an impact on the overall progress of South Korea." Ambassador Hernandez added.

Discussion revolved mainly about the evolution of Philippine culture as well as the different mix of values and characteristics that are considered distinctly Filipino. Speakers shared actual experiences, highlighting how they were able to veer away from traditional stereotypes of Filipinos and how they managed to improve foreigners' perception of the Philippines.

Forum speakers included IAC-MOF Chair Carmelita Nuqui, who is also President of Philippine Migrants Right Watch; Dra. Cora Alvina, Chair of Gawad ng Manlilikha ng Bayan Executive Committee of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts; Prof. Stella Go, Chairperson of the Philippine Migrant Research Network; and Ms. Jasmine Lee, former member of Korea's National Assembly.

The Forum also served as a platform for the Representatives from the Philippine Embassy in Seoul to discuss the different labor and consular services that are germane to the needs of OFs. Representatives from other relevant Philippine government agencies were also present to answer queries and provide information on other government services.

They represented officers and staff of the Department of Labor and Employment, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Overseas Workers' Welfare Administration, Department of Health, Social Security System, PAG-IBIG, the Commission of Filipinos Overseas, and the state-owned Landbank.

Other services available on-site included counselling from the National Pension Service; legal counselling from Korean labor lawyers; Samsung Tigicom counselling; and health and acupuncture services.

In addition to the discussions, the forum also featured performances from the Hyehwa-dong Cultural Group, the Ansan Filipino Taekwondo Association, and Ms. Mary Joy Lor. A film screening of "Imbisibol," a movie depicting the life and tribulations of an OFW in Japan, also formed part of the whole-day event.

The Forum, which was attended by close to 500 Overseas Filipinos at the at the KEB-Hana Bank Building, composed mainly of workers, students, and marriage immigrants, is part of the observance of the International Migrants Day which is celebrated annually every 18th of December.