CEBU, Philippines — Former Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Dongman Han vowed to help promote the municipality of Cordova to Korea.
Han made this statement as he committed to support the joint program between Cordova local government and eight local government units dubbed as the “Agricultural Exchange Program.”
Under the program, Cordova targets to send at least 2,000 trainees from Cordova this year, to South Korea to learn Korea’s advance farming techniques, as well as familiarize Korean culture.
The former envoy offered to watch over the trainees in Korea once they are deployed to different Korean LGUs.
The program beneficiaries from the municipality of Cordova will be assigned to these different LGUs in South Korea, namely; Jeongseon County, Sokcho City, Wonju City, Hoengseong County, Jangsu, Pyeongchang, Yeongwol County and Buyeo County.
More LGUs in Korea have signed up and will accept beneficiaries for the rest of the year.
Han, who is now an Honorary Consul of Korea in Cordova, believes that with this program, more Korean investors will be able to discover Cebu, particularly Cordova, not only as tourism destination, but also as investment hub.
Recently, the town of Cordova sent the 187 Codovahonons to South Korea to start their three to five months emersion program with allowance.
In 2019, the Municipality of Cordova, led by Mayor Mary Therese P. Sitoy-Cho sealed partnership agreements with these Korean LGUs in the field of agriculture.
“This partnership gives one of a kind opportunity for our people to learn and experience South Korea for three months. This will also strengthen the bond between the Philippines and South Korea,” Cho said.
The implementation however, was delayed due to the COVID-19 outbreak, which resulted to lockdown and strict travel restrictions. The program resumed recently with the departure of 187 trainees.
Prior to the pandemic, the program sent three batches.
The partnership is facilitated by the Cebu Korean Association (CBA), headed by its president Bonghwan Cho. The organization serves as a link between Cordova and the participating Korean cities and counties.
CKA also shoulders the beneficiaries’ visa processing, medical, and airline tickets expenses.
Aside from the experience, the trainees will also be given cash allowances to take care of their personal needs and the needs of their families back home as well.
“Mayor Sitoy Cho has exercised her excellent leadership and stewardship for the Cordova community in the last 6 years. She deserves a title of true leader for us. I strongly believe that she will continue to work sincerely for the Cordova community as well as Cebu province and the great country, the Philippines with her devotion and dedication. I admire her contribution to deepen our ties in many different sectors between Korea and the Philippines,” the former Ambassador said.