Marcos announces opening of SSS office in Seoul

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Philippine government will open a new Social Security System (SSS) office in Seoul, assuring overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) that essential government services will now be more accessible to them in South Korea, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Thursday.

Speaking before members of the Filipino community in Busan, Marcos said the new SSS office will be located at the Philippine Embassy in Seoul and will provide services such as membership registration, contribution payments and claims processing.

“I want to assure you, hindi namin kayo nakakalimutan. We are working hard to make sure government services reach you, all the way here in Korea or wherever you are,” he said.

The president said the move is part of his administration’s broader effort to expand access to government services for Filipinos overseas and strengthen their social protection.

“Tuloy-tuloy ang ating mga programa para sa OFWs para kayo ay protektado at may suporta, at may pagkakataong makabalik at magtagumpay din sa sarili nating bayan,” he added.

Marcos added that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will also open a Philippine Consulate General in Busan next year to serve Filipinos in Busan, Ulsan and Gimhae. The new consulate will handle passport renewals, civil registry documents and other consular services.

“Ito ay isang mahalagang hakbang upang mas mapalapit ang serbisyo ng ating pamahalaan sa bawat Pilipino dito sa Busan,” he said.

[Translation: This is an important step to bring government services closer to Filipinos here in Busan]

The president expressed gratitude to overseas Filipinos for their dedication and contributions to the nation’s development, emphasizing that they remain a vital part of the country’s progress.

“The Filipino worker is as good a worker as you will find anywhere in the world,” Marcos said. “We continue to invest in education and skills training so that our workers remain competitive wherever they go.”

Marcos underscored that the long-term goal of his administration is to make overseas employment a choice rather than a necessity, by creating more opportunities at home.

The president arrived in South Korea earlier this week to attend the 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju.