President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to bringing government services closer to Filipinos living and working abroad, assuring them that they remain a top priority no matter where they are in the world.
“My fellow Filipinos, I want to assure you, hindi namin kayo nakakalimutan,” Marcos told an enthusiastic crowd of overseas Filipinos during a community gathering at the Grand Wyndham Busan ahead of his participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit.
“We are working hard to make sure that government services reach you, all the way here in Korea or wherever you are.”
Marcos announced that the government will soon open a Philippine Consulate General in Busan, the second in South Korea after the existing embassy in Seoul, to provide easier access to consular services for Filipinos based in the southern region of the Korean Peninsula.
“Sa susunod na taon ay magbubukas na ang Philippine Consulate General dito,” he said.
“Soon, you will no longer need to travel all the way to Seoul to renew your passports, to submit civil registry documents, and to legalize your documents for use in the Philippines.”
The President also revealed that a Social Security System (SSS) office will soon be established inside the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, which aims to streamline access to benefits and claims for Filipino workers.
According to data from the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, there are currently more than 70,000 registered Filipinos residing in South Korea as of June 2025.
Marcos was accompanied by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and several members of his Cabinet, including Trade Secretary Maria Cristina Roque, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, and Special Assistant to the President for Investments and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick Go.
Expressing gratitude to the Filipino community, the President acknowledged their continued contributions to the nation’s growth.
“Kahit malayo kayo, ramdam namin sa Pilipinas ang inyong suporta at malasakit,” he said.
Marcos emphasized that the government’s long-term vision is to make overseas employment a choice rather than a necessity, as the administration works to strengthen the country’s economy and create more opportunities at home.
The event took place on the eve of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju, where Marcos is expected to promote inclusive economic growth, the creation of sustainable jobs, and the protection of migrant workers through international cooperation.