19 March 2023, Seoul. The Philippine Embassy, led by Ambassador Ma. Theresa Dizon-De Vega, conducted its first Know-Your-Rights-and-Responsibilities (KYRR) Seminar Series on 19 March 2023 focusing on intercountry adoption processes. In her welcome remarks, Ambassador Dizon-De Vega said that the topic was brought about by the increasing number of Filipino marriage migrants wishing to reunite and bring their children from prior relationships to South Korea. She expressed her gratitude to the National Authority for Child Care (NACC), a new government agency created under R.A. No. 11642, for supporting the Embassy's advocacy of spreading awareness on legal adoption processes which would facilitate uniting families together and lessen the negative impact of migration.

For their part, NACC Undersecretary and Executive Director Janella Ejercito Estrada said that the seminar is a welcome development, noting the increasing number of multicultural families in South Korea. She also said that the NACC, which was created in January 2023 and taking over the role of the former Intercountry Adoption Board, is developing several core programs geared towards assisting overseas Filipinos in building a strong and happy family life.

The online event featured intercountry adoption experts NACC Assistant Secretary Atty. Madeline Arezu Ty Jam, NACC Unit Head Ms. Irene Fagayan, and Korea Legal Aid Corporation's Atty. Wi Seung Yong. The speakers provided participants with the relevant information on facilitating intercountry adoption both in the Philippines and South Korea.

The KYRR seminar series is a quarterly activity initiated by Ambassador Dizon-De Vega in 2022 to equip overseas Filipinos in South Korea with the legal knowledge protecting their rights and welfare. Seminar materials from previous KYRR activities may be accessed at http://bitly.ws/BYkN. END