Filipino economic delegation highlights mutual respect during Seoul visit

An economic delegation from the Philippines visiting Korea's parliament in Seoul on Monday stressed the importance of mutual respect for foreigners, given the growing number of Filipinos in Korea.

From left, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Nina Mangio, Democratic Party Rep. Lee Yong-sun, Sunfull Foundation Chairman Min Byoung-chul, Philippines-Korea Economic Council President Robert Yupangco and Philippine Ambassador to Seoul Theresa Dizon-De Vega hold banners promoting respect for Filipinos in Korea and Koreans in the Philippines during the K-respect campaign event held at the National Assembly compound in Yeouido, western Seoul, on Monday. [SUNFULL FOUNDATION]

An economic delegation from the Philippines visiting Korea's parliament in Seoul on Monday stressed the importance of mutual respect for foreigners, given the growing number of Filipinos in Korea.

“Recently, 100 Filipino caregivers have arrived in the country,” said Sunfull Foundation Chairman Min Byoung-chul during an event campaigning for mutual respect held at the National Assembly compound in Yeouido, western Seoul.

“It is important for us to show respect to these people who live in our country, and we also hope that overseas Koreans are respected as well.”

Last year, Min launched the K-Respect campaign to raise awareness and foster respect for diverse cultures. The campaign aligns with the foundation’s philosophy of respect, which has been its cornerstone since its establishment in 2007.

Monday’s event invited some 40 delegates from the Philippines, including Philippines-Korea Economic Council Chairman Robert Yupangco and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Nina Mangio. Korean lawmakers, including Democratic Party Reps. Song Seog-jun and Lee Yong-sun, as well as Philippine Ambassador to Seoul Theresa Dizon-De Vega, were also in attendance.

Yupangco, also the president of Zoomanity Group, which oversees eight parks domestically and internationally, emphasized the importance of mutual respect between the people of both countries, highlighting the strong ties between the Philippines and Korea. This year marks the 75th anniversary of Korea-Philippines diplomatic relations.

The number of Filipinos living in Korea has increased in recent months, with the latest arrival of 100 domestic caregivers who are currently undergoing training and scheduled to begin work next month. The Filipino population in Korea stands at around 68,000, a significant increase from around 64,000 just a few months ago, according to Ambassador Dizon-De Vega.

“We may not be the largest expatriate or migrant community here, but we have a very diverse one,” Dizon-De Vega told the Korea JoongAng Daily, highlighting the different groups of Filipinos coming to work in Korea, including those under the Employment Permit System (EPS), like the newly arrived caregivers, as well as students, professionals and tourists.

The EPS is a governmental program designed to help small—and medium-sized Korean companies legally hire foreign workers. It applies to E-9 visa holders. The EPS list currently includes 16 countries, including the Philippines and Mongolia.

The ambassador also stressed the importance of supporting efforts to respect Filipinos in Korea and Koreans in the Philippines, noting that the Korean community in the Philippines is one of the largest overseas Korean communities in the world.

"It is important that this large business delegation from the Philippines, coming from different sectors, including academia, civil society, and leaders of industry and trade, are joining this campaign and expressing their support," she said.

“We hope that as more and more foreigners, including Filipinos, come to Korea, we’ll be able to spread the message of respect.”

BY CHO JUNG-WOO [cho.jungwoo1@joongang.co.kr]