More than 200 Filipinos in South Korea gathered in Busan to meet President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who is in the country for the 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju. According to Inquirer.net, 212 overseas Filipinos traveled from cities including Seoul, Ulsan, and Jeju Island to attend the event at Wyndham Grand Busan Hotel.
One attendee, Sonia Madiwo from Ifugao, shared that she has been living in South Korea since 2008 after marrying a Korean national. She said work opportunities are abundant in the country, noting that “here, no one will go hungry because work is just around the corner. There are plenty of jobs here.”
Madiwo added that she believes the Philippine government is already striving to expand employment opportunities back home. “I think the President is already doing everything to provide jobs in the Philippines. So what the youth should do is really study, get training, and then secure a job,” she told Inquirer.net.
Addressing the crowd, Marcos reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting overseas Filipinos. “My fellow Filipinos, I want to assure you, hindi namin kayo nakakalimutan. We are working hard to make sure that government services reach you, all the way here in Korea or wherever you are,” he said.
He emphasized ongoing programs to support Filipinos abroad and encourage opportunities for reintegration in the Philippines, adding, “Our programs for OFWs continue so that you are protected and supported, and have the opportunity to return home and succeed in our own country.”
Among the initiatives highlighted were plans to open a Philippine consulate in Busan and a Social Security System office at the embassy in Seoul.
Latest data from the Department of Foreign Affairs show that South Korea is home to more than 70,000 Filipinos, over 42,000 of whom are overseas Filipino workers employed in manufacturing, agriculture, fishing, entertainment, and other industries.
