08 December 2024, Seoul – Philippine Embassy in Seoul officials led by Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega received the courtesy call of the second batch of local chief executives and LGU officials participating in the 2024 KDIS-DAP Foreign Study Mission on Local Governance and Innovation for Economic Development at the Sentro Rizal Hall of the Philippine Embassy on 18 November 2024.

In her remarks, Ambassador Dizon De-Vega recognized the role of the LGUs as frontliners in terms of public service and stressed that sub-national cooperation is one of the thrusts of the Philippine Embassy. She wished the delegation a productive seminar as they engage with ROK institutions to broaden their knowledge on public governance.

Deputy Chief of Mission and Consul General Romulo Victor M. Israel Jr. shared that the Korean War serves as the cornerstone of the enduring relations of the Philippines and the Republic of Korea. Both countries also work hand-in-hand to constantly elevate the relationship into a mutually beneficial partnership. He also mentioned the milestone events for the Philippines and ROK such as the commemoration of the 75^th Anniversary of bilateral relations and the State Visit of ROK President Yoon Suk Yeol to the Philippines.

In a video message, Senator Francis N. Tolentino who spearheaded the DAP Adaptive Governance and Innovation for Local Executives (AGILE) Program is confident that the participants will be able to absorb all the lessons they will learn from the study mission to enhance their leadership skills and be able to contribute to their respective LGUs.

Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) Vice President Ms. Imelda Caluen mentioned the importance of drawing lessons from experiences of other countries and best practices that will help both local and national agencies shape policies for economic and sustainable development. The study mission will also serve as a platform for knowledge sharing, establishing networks and enriching the global experience of the participants.

Korea Development Institute School of Public Policy and Management Managing Director Ms. Yun Hai-Young shared that the KDI has been working with partners to design different types of learning opportunities for study missions to share ROK’s innovative and sustainable governance.

Delegation leader Vice Mayor Maria Caridad Goteesan of the Province of Samar shared that her province is also a recipient of various cooperation projects and development assistance from the ROK through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

Third Secretary and Vice Consul Reisha L. Olavario, Head of the Political and Economic Section of the Embassy presented an overview of Philippines and ROK bilateral relations highlighting the elevation of the bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership and the ratification of the PH-ROK Free Trade Agreement. END