Seoul, Republic of Korea - The Philippine Embassy in Korea welcomed its new Ambassador, Her Excellency Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez, Chief of Mission Class I, who arrived in Seoul on 15 September 2025 to formally assume her post as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of the Philippines to the Republic of Korea. She was accompanied by her spouse, the Honorable Francisco Noel R. Fernandez III, Director General of the Foreign Service Institute. 

Ambassador-designate Fernandez is a distinguished career diplomat. In recognition of her exceptional and meritorious contributions to the foreign service, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. conferred upon her the Order of Sikatuna, with the rank of Grand Cross (Datu), Gold Distinction, on 4 September 2025. The Ambassador-designate was cited for her proven leadership and notable accomplishments in advancing Philippine foreign policy, including her service as Chief Coordinator under the Office of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs. She was also recognized for her strong engagement with Filipino communities overseas and her critical role in repatriating over 300 nationals during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as for enhancing consular services and facilitating assistance to distressed overseas Filipinos.

Ambassador-designate Fernandez brings over three decades of expertise in multilateral diplomacy, regional affairs, and institutional leadership. Her previous foreign assignments include postings in Beijing, London, Toronto, and Milan. At the Department of Foreign Affairs, she held key positions in the Offices of United Nations and International Organizations, European Affairs, and Asian and Pacific Affairs. Ambassador-designate Fernandez holds a degree in Psychology from Ateneo de Manila University and pursued graduate coursework in Industrial and Organizational Psychology at De La Salle University.

The arrival of Ambassador-designate Fernandez marks a new chapter in the continuing partnership between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea, and underscores the commitment to further strengthening the deep and enduring strategic partnership between our nations. END