Philippines Ambassador Luis T. Cruz announced the embassy’s program for the year during the recent Filipino Community meeting.

Scheduled for the year will be many of the same popular programs such as the Financial Education Campaign, the Leaders’ Forum, skills training and reintegration programs of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Overseas Employment Certificate services, labor counseling and collaboration with Human Resource Development.

The embassy’s consular section will continue its mobile service to areas outside of Seoul. They will also launch a free online appointment system to better serve ePassport users. For multicultural families, Cruz announced the continuation of cultural events aimed at highlighting the country’s rich heritage.

The Philippines Independence Day celebration in connection with Filipinos’ Migrant Workers’ Day will also be organized.

To showcase the archipelago’s varied culinary traditions, the embassy is arranging a month-long food festival at the Millennium Seoul Hilton. The dates will be announced at a later time.

For those who live far from the embassy or regional Filipino Community Services, Cruz announced the release of a Financial Educational compact disk and a CD on the Philippines for young Filipinos and South Koreans.

The embassy’s site at www.philembassy-seoul.com offers more detailed information in the Filipino language.

By Yoav Cerralbo (yoav@heraldcorp.com)