Seoul, Republic of Korea - Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Bernadette Therese Fernandez joined members of the diplomatic corps and the Korean National Assembly in a declaration ceremony for the K-Respect Campaign held on 17 October 2025 at the National Assembly in Seoul. 

The initiative, jointly led by the Sunfull (Good Comments) Foundation and the National Assembly Sunfull Committee, seeks to foster a culture of mutual respect and understanding for foreigners and multicultural families living in the Republic of Korea. The event was co-chaired by National Assembly Members Moon Jin-seog of the Democratic Party and Lee In-seon of the People Power Party, with Sunfull Foundation Chairman Min Byung-chul presiding over the ceremony. 

In a gesture of solidarity and shared advocacy, Ambassadors from six countries—the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and Italy—were appointed as honorary co-chairs of the campaign alongside Korean legislators. 

During the event, Ambassador-designate Fernandez reaffirmed the Philippines’ enduring commitment to upholding the rights and welfare of its citizens abroad. She noted that the nearly 70,000 Filipinos living and working in the Republic of Korea are vital contributors to the development of Korean society. Ambassador-designate Fernandez also welcomed the opportunity to participate in a campaign that aligns so closely with the values and principles of the Philippines, particularly in the protection and empowerment of overseas Filipinos. The welfare of the Filipino diaspora, along with deeper, more sustained diaspora engagement, has been a personal and professional priority of the Ambassador-designate throughout her diplomatic career. 

In his address, Chairman Min emphasized the invaluable contributions of Korea’s 2.5 million foreign residents to the country’s economic and social development, while also highlighting the ongoing need to confront discrimination and deepen social acceptance. Other Ambassadors present also delivered messages of support, calling for stronger institutional safeguards for foreign workers, and urged employers to foster respectful and equitable workplaces actively. Lawmakers across party lines expressed strong support for Chairman Min’s leadership and the Foundation’s initiatives and recognized the dedication and work ethic of migrant workers. 

The Philippine Embassy in Korea remains fully committed to supporting initiatives that uplift the Filipino community abroad and advance mutual respect and understanding across cultures. Through active engagement in platforms such as the K-Respect Campaign, the Philippines continues to stand in solidarity with all who advocate for dignity, inclusion, and diversity. END