07 June 202, Seoul. The Philippine Embassy welcomed another batch of Filipino EPS workers who recently arrived in Korea during the 2nd Post Arrival Orientation Seminar (PAOS) dubbed as "Labor Seminar Para Sa Mga Bagong EPS Workers". The two-part virtual seminar was held on 29 May and 05 June 2022 and attended by around 250 workers.

n her Welcome Message, Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega once again affirmed the Embassy's commitment to ensuring the welfare of EPS workers who have waited for a long time to be deployed in Korea due to the pandemic. "We have customized this special orientation program for you. We will not only discuss the labor laws in Korea, but all the support services available to you from the Philippine and Korean governments and the Filipino community. We also have a special session wherein you will be able to firm up your goals and financial plans because we believe these are key to your successful journey as EPS workers," the Ambassador said.

In Part 1 of the seminar held on 29 May 2022, the new EPS workers were apprised by Consul General Romulo Victor Israel Jr., Welfare Officer Aniceta Deuna and AS Manny Barotilla on the services and programs rendered by the Philippine Embassy and POLO OWWA for OFWs. Guest labor attorney Sue Hee Kim then explained the provisions of the employment contract and explained Korean laws on hours of work, leave, wages, social protection and separation.

In Part 2, held on 05 June 2022, the virtual seminar discussed practical ways on how to make their employment and stay in Korea gainful and productive. Mr. Ernie Docot, an EPS worker for 10 years and a FilCom leader from the Gwangju, Jeollanamdo Philippine Community, encouraged participants to continuously learn new skills, adjust to Korean work ethics, participate in FilCom activities, and avoid vices and scams. This was followed by a workshop on setting one's personal goals facilitated by Labor Attache Maria Celeste Valderrama, and a discussion on Financial Planning which was handled by Professor Joeffrey M. Calimag. Pag-IBIG Member Services Officer James Lumantas talked about how OFWs can maximize the compulsory and voluntary savings under MP2.

To help the workers navigate their new environment, Director Katherine Ann Corteza of the Itaewon Global Village Center presented the services and contact information of Korea's support centers for foreign workers which offer, among others, free language and skills training, and counseling on labor, immigration, and police matters. Consul General Romulo Victor Israel Jr. concluded the seminar by inviting the new workers to choose and be involved in the various Filipino Community Organizations which also lend support to all Filipinos living and working in South Korea.

"Napakalaking tulong po itong seminar na ito sa amin. Nabago po ang aming kaisipan, at naunawaan ang kahalagahan ng mga serbisyo at pagpaplano sa simula pa lamang", one of the participants wrote.

The Philippine Embassy, through the Philippine Overseas Labor Office ? OWWA, will hold the 3rd PAOS for succeeding new EPS workers in October 2022. -END-