By Marita Moaje

MANILA – The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed on Thursday that the work environment in South Korea remains stable and normal, with Filipino workers continuing their employment as scheduled despite recent political developments.
In a press briefing in Mandaluyong City, DMW Undersecretary for Foreign Employment and Welfare Services Felicitas Bay assured that no travel restrictions are being imposed between the Philippines and South Korea and that Filipino workers face no disruptions in their employment.
“Stable and generally peaceful yung sitwasyon. May mga pasok ang mga estudyante, according sa ating mga professors, yung Association of Filipino Educators in Korea, and ayon naman sa ating mga EPS (Employment Permit System) workers, wala daw issue, dire-diretso sila sa kanilang pagtatrabaho (The situation is stable and generally peaceful. The students have classes, according to our professors, the Association of Filipino Educators in Korea, and according to our EPS workers, there is no issue. Their work continues),” Bay said.
She assured that while South Korea has experienced political unrest in recent weeks, including concerns about potential martial law measures, these developments have not impacted the safety or employment of Filipino workers.
New batches of workers under the EPS have successfully arrived in South Korea, she said.
On Dec. 2, a total of 51 regular EPS workers and 68 returning workers, also known as “sincere workers,” arrived without issues.
Additional deployments are scheduled for Dec. 10, with 122 regular workers, and Dec. 16, with 130 regular workers and 52 returning workers.
Meanwhile, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the Philippine Embassy in South Korea, headed by Ambassador Maria Theresa Dizon-De Vega, closely monitors the situation.
“The embassy has expressed confidence in Korea’s ability to maintain safety and order. Our OFWs remain safe,” Cacdac said.
He also noted that the Migrant Workers Office and the Philippine Embassy in Seoul remain open to assist and support overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and other Filipinos in South Korea.
For families seeking updates on their loved ones, Cacdac reminded them that the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) – DMW hotline, 1348, is available to assist Filipino workers, including seasonal farm laborers and professionals.
About 36,186 Filipinos are working in South Korea, with 25,895 employed under the EPS. (PNA)