18 July 2022, Seoul. Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) in Korea participated in the 2022 Chemical Safety Training for Filipino EPS Workers on 10 July 2022 as part of the Labor Education Program being implemented by the Philippine Embassy in Korea through the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO).

The seminar, which is the first face-to-face training held this year, was organized with the support of Korea's Ministry of Environment and Chemical Management Association in partnership with the Itaewon Global Village Center (IGVC).

Consul General Romulo Victor M. Israel, Jr., Labor Attache Ma. Celeste M. Valderrama were both on hand while IGVC Director Katherine Corteza who also translated the seminar in Filipino lent her presence at the activity.

During the 3-hour session, the resource speaker, Dr. Roh Young Man, Ph.D. of RCHEM Som Hyeon Chemical Consulting Co., covered the importance of safe handling of chemicals at the workplace, understanding labels and signages, how to correctly use personal protective wear, and standards in reporting and responding in the event of accidents involving chemicals.

In his message, Consul General Israel lauded the EPS workers who spent their weekend in learning occupational health and safety measures in the workplace, many of whom travelled from outside Seoul where the seminar was held. He underscored the importance of basic training on chemical safety particularly since majority of OFWs in Korea are working in manufacturing companies as production workers. "Promoting safety and health by preventing industrial accidents is an important component of the Embassy's response in ensuring that the rights and welfare of our Filipinos working abroad are protected. We have to continuously "sharpen the saw", and so we also encourage you to attend our regular seminars which include the Know-Your-Rights-and-Responsibilities series, financial literacy program, skills training and PEAK Pinoy", the Consul General said.

In addition to the topic on chemical safety, the participants also had the opportunity to receive a briefing about Korea's anti-tuberculosis program and updated procedures in securing Overseas Employment Certificates (OEC) from POLO. The participants received Course Completion Certificates issued by Korea's Ministry of Environment which is recognized for official purposes such as labor and immigration points. -END-