Pinay brides in demand in South Korea

MANILA, Philippines - From 2004 to 2013, at least 11,713 Filipino spouses were accepted by South Korea, making it the second most popular Asian destination for Filipino brides after Japan, according to the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO).

The CFO said this statistic raised the importance of continued partnerships with the South Korean government on the development and implementation of programs to serve Filipino-Korean families.

The CFO had engaged in meetings with South Korean Minister Kim Hee-Jung of the Ministry of Gender Equaity and Family (MOGEF) and You Jee-Young of South Korea’s National Assembly who visited the Philippines to attend the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Women and the Economy 2015 Forum at the Philippine International Convention Center from Sept. 17 to 18.

Also joining Kim and You in the meetings with the CFO were directors and staff of the Women’s Policy Bureau and International Cooperation Office of Korea.

The CFO is the government’s premier agency tasked to tap the framework of migration and development in promoting the welfare, rights and wellbeing of Filipino migrants abroad and strengthening the links between them and their native country.

The agency briefed the officials about the different pre-departure frontline services offered to Filipino migrants, especially to those marrying Koreans.

The CFO said that it administers a guidance and counselling program for spouses or fiancées and the two-day South Korean cultural orientation.

These activities aim to ease the settlement of Filipino migrants to live, work and raise families in South Korea.

The CFO said it has a long-standing partnership with MOGEF to improve the integration of Filipino marriage migrants and multicultural families.

The latter, in partnership with the Korea Center for United Nations Human Rights Policy (KOCUN), sponsors annual visits to South Korea by CFO counselors.

They also provide free publications and information materials for Filipino marriage migrants attending the South Korea Cultural Workshop at the CFO.