BUSAN, South Korea — President Marcos announced the expansion of Philippine government services for overseas Filipinos, starting with the opening of a Social Security System (SSS) office in Seoul and the planned establishment of a new consulate in Busan next year.

Speaking before members of the Filipino community here on Thursday, Oct. 30, Marcos said the move will make it easier for Filipinos in South Korea to access essential government services 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 (Processing SSS benefits and services such as membership, contributions, and claims will now be easier without needing to return to the Philippines),” he said. The SSS services at the Philippine Embassy in Seoul will be available starting Nov. 3.

He also confirmed that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will open a Philippine Consulate General in Busan, which will handle passport renewals, civil registry documents, and other consular needs for Filipinos in southern Korea.

“Sa susunod na taon ay magbubukas na ang Philippine Consulate General dito (Next year, the Philippine Consulate General will open here),” he said.

“Ito ay isang mahalagang hakbang upang mas mapalapit ang serbisyo ng ating pamahalaan sa bawat Pilipino dito sa Busan (This is an important step to bring government services closer to every Filipino here in Busan),” he added.

Marcos said the establishment of these offices reflects his administration’s broader commitment to make government “accessible, responsive, and inclusive,” even for Filipinos working abroad.

“Tuluy-tuloy ang ating mga programa para sa OFWs para kayo ay protektado at may suporta (We continue our programs for OFWs so that you are protected and supported),” he said.

The President expressed gratitude to overseas Filipinos for their hard work and sacrifice, assuring them that they remain a key part of his administration’s priorities.

“My fellow Filipinos, I want to assure you, hindi namin kayo nakakalimutan (we have not forgotten you). We are working hard to make sure that government services reach you, all the way here in Korea or wherever you are,” he said.

Marcos also praised the discipline and good reputation of Filipino workers abroad, saying their contributions continue to drive the nation’s progress.

With this, the President said the government is investing in education and skills training to ensure Filipino workers remain globally competitive amid rapid technological change.

“The Filipino worker is as good a worker as you will find anywhere in the world,” he said.

He added that the administration’s long-term goal is to make overseas work “a choice, not a necessity,” by strengthening the domestic economy and creating more jobs at home.

Meanwhile, President Marcos said he will use his participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju to advance initiatives that directly impact ordinary Filipinos.

“In the coming days, while participating in the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, I will push for initiatives that directly impact the daily lives of our people,” he said, citing micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) support, digital trade, food and energy security, and sustainable job creation as key priorities.

“These are not abstract goals, ito ay mga praktikal na maaari nating gawin upang pagandahin ang ating ekonomiya (these are practical measures we can take to strengthen our economy),” he added.

Marcos also urged stronger international cooperation to address climate change, which he described as “the first truly global problem.”

“Every single citizen of the world is affected by climate change,” he said.

“The only solution is for every single citizen of the world also to contribute,” he added.

The President said he will meet with business leaders to promote investment in Philippine industries such as renewable energy, agriculture, and technology.

“Every collaboration we create means more livelihoods, more learning, and more hope for Filipino families,” he said.