President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced the establishment of a Social Security System (SSS) office in Seoul, Republic of Korea, assuring overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) that essential government services will soon be more accessible to them.

Speaking before members of the Filipino community in Busan, President Marcos reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting and supporting Filipinos abroad.

“My fellow Filipinos, I want to assure you, hindi namin kayo nakakalimutan (We don’t forget about you). We are working hard to make sure government services reach you, all the way here in Korea or wherever you are,” the President said.

The new SSS office will be located at the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, making it easier for Filipinos in South Korea to process their membership, contributions, and benefit claims without having to return home.

“Mapapadali na po ang pag-aasikaso ng mga benepisyo at serbisyo mula sa SSS tulad ng membership, contributions, at claims nang hindi na kailangang umuwi pa sa Pilipinas (The processing of benefits and services from the SSS such as membership, contributions, and claims, will now be made easier, without the need to return to the Philippines),” Marcos added.

In addition to the new SSS office, the President also announced that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is preparing to open a consulate in Busan next year. The consulate will cater to Filipinos based in Busan, Ulsan, and Gimhae, further expanding the government’s reach and services for OFWs in the region.

“Tuloy-tuloy ang ating mga programa para sa OFWs para kayo ay protektado at may suporta, at may pagkakataong makabalik at magtagumpay din sa sarili nating bayan (Programs for OFWs continues so that you will be proctedt and supported in time ,” Marcos said.

President Marcos is in the Republic of Korea to attend the 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting and related activities in Gyeongju, where discussions are focused on regional economic cooperation and sustainable development.