15 April 2024, Seoul. The Philippines shared perspectives on the importance of consular services and assistance-to-nationals work during the annual Diplomatic Panel of the Korea National Diplomatic Academy (KNDA) on 15 April. Held at the Great Hall of the KNDA Diplomatic Center building, the Philippines was represented by Minister and Consul General Romulo Victor Israel Jr. of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul.

Minister and Consul General Israel underscored the deep historical connections between the Philippines-Korea which started during the Korean War. As the two countries are celebrating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations this 2024, the Minister and Consul General also shared updates about ongoing cooperation and bilateral agreements between the Philippines and Korea in the areas of defense, people-to-people ties, legal matters, labor and welfare, culture, and tourism.

Mr. Israel likewise shared updates on the Philippines' efforts in modernizing and digitizing its consular functions, including the newly rolled-out e-Apostille system.

The cohort of KNDA trainees also benefited from the Minister and Consul General's years of experience in diplomatic and consular work in various regions, including North America and the Middle East. Consul General Israel was likewise able to share the priorities of a Filipino consular officer abroad, such as protecting the rights and welfare of its nationals abroad on top of daily ministerial tasks and perspectives on the Philippines' assistance-to-nationals work, which is widely considered a gold-standard in diaspora and global migration management.

The members of the Diplomatic Panel were also invited to share their experiences as diplomats, career lessons learned, and insights on how to achieve work-life balance and how to become an effective Foreign Service Officer.

The 3-hour event was attended by thirty-four (34) Consular Officer Trainees of the KNDA, and a representative from the British Embassy who also served as one of the panelists. END