The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Filipino Korean Heritage Association (FILKOHA) to formalize partnership in the creation of pioneer overseas Filipino organization-lead BaLinkBayan Portal, Tuesday, January 19, 2021.
FILKOHA is an overseas Filipino organization composed of Filipino expatriates living in South Korea founded on June 18, 2017. With various prominent members including Presidential Awardees and pro bono volunteers, the organization works in preserving Filipino culture while sharing their knowledge of Korean culture to the Filipino community.
This undertaking marks Phase III of the project’s implementation which aims to expand overseas engagement by establishing partnerships with different Filipino organizations abroad.
With 53, 416 Filipinos living and working in South Korea as of 2019, Secretary Acosta emphasized the importance of institutionalizing overseas engagement through government partnership and utilization of digital technologies.
The portal which will be designed to accommodate preferred contents and specific data shall aid in facilitating exchange of ideas, and in keeping Filipinos living in South Korea updated with issues, opportunities, and development in the Philippines.
Meanwhile, Ms. Jasmine Lee extended on behalf of FILKOHA their gratitude and appreciation to CFO as lead agency implementing the project citing its importance in maintaining link and connection with the Motherland, and as an avenue for FilComs in SoKor to reach to their fellow Filipinos despite distance.
To date, the BaLinkBayan project has partnered with 36 Local Government Units strongly facilitating diaspora engagement in fields of business and philanthropy, while utilizing the advantages of digital platforms and technology.
REFERENCES
- Filipino Korean Heritage Association (FILKOHA). Filipinos in Korea. PinoySeoul.com.
- Philippine Embassy in Seoul, South Korea. Online Ugnayan sa South Korea 2020.
- BaLinkBayan Secretariat. Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO).