BUSAN, SOUTH KOREA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met with the Filipino community in South Korea on Thursday evening, announcing the establishment of a new Philippine Consulate General in Busan.

Marcos said the new consulate is set to open next year, expanding the government’s reach beyond the embassy in Seoul. “Starting next year, we will have a Philippine Consulate General here in Busan,” he said, adding that this will make government services more accessible to thousands of Filipinos in South Korea.

Marcos also announced that a Social Security System (SSS) office will soon open at the Philippine Embassy in Seoul to further support overseas workers.

In his remarks, the President underscored the importance of APEC 2025, which he will attend from 31 October to 1 November in Gyeongju. He said the summit is crucial to advancing regional cooperation on trade, innovation, digital inclusion, and climate resilience — issues that directly affect Filipino workers and businesses.

Marcos emphasized that APEC also strengthens education and skills exchange across economies, providing Filipino youth with access to training and scholarship opportunities, especially in digital technology and science. “The Filipino worker is as good as any worker you will find anywhere in the world,” he said.

Marcos is expected to participate in the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju and hold meetings with business leaders and partner governments to attract investment in technology, agriculture, and renewable energy.

The President was joined by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, along with top officials including DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac, OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan, DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque, PCO Secretary Dave Gomez, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go, and Ambassador Theresa Fernandez.