The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will soon open a consulate office in Busan, marking the Philippines’ second consular presence in South Korea, according to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

Marcos said the initiative aims to make government services more accessible to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the region, allowing them to renew passports, submit civil registry documents, and legalize papers without traveling to Seoul, where the Philippine Embassy is currently located.

The announcement came during a Filipino Community (FilCom) gathering held at the Wyndham Grand Busan, attended by the President, First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, Cabinet secretaries, and other Philippine government officials.

The event showcased the warmth and pride of the Filipino diaspora, with attendees arriving in elegant Filipiniana ternos and traditional barongs. The atmosphere buzzed with conversation, laughter, and music, as familiar songs like “Dancing Queen” and “Sumayaw Sumunod” brought everyone to the dance floor.

The energy in the hall peaked when President Marcos and the First Lady entered, greeted by applause and chants of “BBM! BBM!” The evening began solemnly with the Philippine National Anthem, sung in unison by attendees.

Legendary Filipino singer Florante later took the stage, performing timeless hits such as “Ako’y Isang Pinoy” and “Handog.” Attendees waved small Philippine flags, singing along with emotion and nostalgia, while Marcos, the First Lady, and other officials joined softly from their seats.

The celebration concluded with a rendition of “Ako ay Pilipino,” as the President, First Lady, and attendees waved miniature Philippine flags in a show of unity and national pride.

Malacañang said the planned Busan consulate is expected to significantly ease access to Philippine government services for citizens in southern South Korea, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to supporting OFWs abroad.