MANILA – The Korean Embassy in Manila has initiated the application process for the esteemed Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) – Embassy Track, reserving 17 slots for Filipino nationals aspiring to pursue higher education in Korea.

“The Korean Embassy in the Philippines is delighted to announce the commencement of applications for the 2024 Global Korea Scholarship (Graduate Degrees, Embassy Track). Seventeen Filipino students will be chosen through the embassy track to partake in the graduate program,” stated the embassy.

The application window will remain open from February 13 to March 6.

The GKS is a government-funded scholarship program designed to facilitate international students’ studies in Korean universities, fostering mutual friendship among nations.

This scholarship encompasses round-trip airfare tickets, monthly stipends, tuition fees, scholarship completion grants, Korean language training, and medical insurance.

Typically, a master’s degree program spans three years, comprising one year of Korean language instruction and two years for degree completion. Conversely, a doctoral degree program requires a minimum of four years.

According to the latest embassy records, over 300 Filipinos have pursued studies in Korea since 1968 through the GKS.

For detailed application guidelines for the 2024 GKS, interested individuals may visit the Korean Embassy website: https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/ph-en/brd/m_3272/view.do?seq=760976&page=1.

(el Amigo/MNM)

BOC District Collector Atty. Ricardo “Ricky” Morales II, CESE, (center) assures visiting Consul General Song Sewon and Senior Consular Officer Gobui Hong from the Consulate of the Republic of Korea in Cebu of further strengthening of ties between the Philippines and South Korea.

By Junex Doronio

IN CONSONANCE WITH THE VISION of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to steer the country’s economy back on a high-growth path, the Bureau of Customs-Port of Cebu under the leadership of District Collector Atty. Ricardo “Ricky” Uy Morales II, CESE, has committed to forging essential partnerships, the latest of which was the agreement sealed with the visiting South Korean officials.

Morales II warmly welcomed Consul General Song Sewon and Senior Consular Officer Gobui Hong from the Consulate of the Republic of Korea in Cebu during a courtesy visit last September 19, the BOC Port of Cebu said on Sunday in its Facebook post.

“We greatly appreciate Consul General Song and Senior Consular Officer Hong for taking the time to visit our port. The growing ties between our countries have led to an increase in travel, promotion of cultural exchange, and economic growth,” Morales II said.

The visit focused on enhancing trade relations, promoting efficient customs procedures, and strengthening cooperation in border protection efforts at the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA).

“We are committed to working closely with the Consulate of the Republic of Korea in Cebu to ensure unhampered movement of goods and passengers while protecting our borders,” Morales II stressed.

One of the key topics discussed was the remarkable increase in the number of flights between Cebu and Korea, a clear indication of the strong and enduring ties between the two nations.

The MCIA serves as a vital gateway for passengers traveling between the Philippines and South Korea.

This influx of passengers and flights necessitates the strengthening of border protection efforts at MCIA, where both the Korean Consulate and the Port of Cebu play crucial roles in ensuring security and compliance with Customs rules and regulations.

Morales II told the visiting South Korean officials that with guidance from Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio, the BOC Port of Cebu remains committed to fostering strong diplomatic relationships with international partners such as the Consulate of the Republic of Korea in Cebu and furthering its mission in service to the public through the fulfillment of its mandates. (ai/mnm)

Image Courtesy of Philippine Women’s National Football Team Official Facebook Page

HANGZHOU – A stinging 5-1 defeat in the hands of South Korea last Monday is not the end of the road for the Philippine women’s football team in the 19th Asian Games here.

With an even 1-1 record following a 3-1 victory over Hong Kong and the huge loss to the 2018 Asian Games bronze medalists, the Filipinas still remain in contention.

“May chance pa naman. May Myanmar game pa tayo,” said Philippine Football Federation (PFF) President Mariano Araneta Tuesday morning.

However, it’s not all in the hands of the Filipinas if they are to advance even if they beat world No. 51 Myanmar on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at the Wenzhou Sports Center Stadium.

There are five groups of three teams each, and only the top team in each group will advance outright. The three other slots to the quarterfinals will go to the top three among the remaining teams.

Mariano said it remains a must-win game against Myanmar. Then the Philippines, ranked No. 44, will have to wait for the final results of the other groups.

“Ang importante talunin natin ang Myanmar. Then we hope for the best that we land in the top three among the remaining teams,” he added.

“If we beat Myanmar we have six points. Then we have a chance depending on the goal difference of the other teams,” Mariano said.

Against the South Koreans, the Filipinas scored first courtesy of Sarina Bolden in the eighth minute. But that proved to be the last as the South Koreans took control of the match the rest of the way.

The South Koreans equalized in the 12th minute then piled up the goals in the 44th, 52nd, 56th and 70th minutes en route to the runaway victory.

“Hindi masyado nag-click ‘yung defenders natin pero ganyan talaga ang laro. What’s important is that we still have a chance,” Mariano said. (ai/mnm)