Filipino exchange students to Korea recognized

MANILA, Philippines—The South Korean government lauded Filipino scholars of the Korean International Cooperation Agency (Koica) for their efforts to promote socioeconomic development in the Philippines by applying the knowledge they gained from Korea, sharing this to other Filipinos, and organizing outreach programs for target communities nationwide.

Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Hye Min delivered the commendation during a general assembly held at the Edsa Shangri-La Hotel in Mandaluyong City.

“One of the events I’ve been looking forward to attending is the Philkofa [Philippine Koica Fellows Association] General Assembly. This is because I want to personally thank you for all the good things you’ve done in the Philippines by using the knowledge and experience you gained in Korea to serve your countrymen” he said.

The Ambassador also noted the scholars’ contributions to promoting closer relations between the Philipines and Korea. “Aside from being positive agents of change, you also serve as a vital link between the Korea and the Philippines, fostering technical and cultural exchanges between our peoples. You are the embodiment of the fruitful relationship between our two countries,” he said.

Koica Resident Representative Kim Jinoh likewise highlighted the importance of Koica’s training program for Filipinos during the event. “Through this program, we are able to share the knowledge we gained in the past 60 years to our Filipino friends. Our goal is to help build the intellectual capital that can fuel the Philippines to faster and more sustainable growth over the medium term,” he explained.

About 1,700 Filipino scholars have been sent to Korea for training and graduate study since 1991. Many of them now occupy key positions in government, civil society, and the private sector. Alumni of Koica training programs automatically become members of Philkofa.

Aside from promoting camaraderie among members, the organization also conducts outreach programs for selected communities nationwide. Programs implemented in 2010 include livelihood training programs for Bulacan, and an educational caravan on biodiversity in cooperation with the University of the Philippines Open University. –INQUIRER.net