DAVAO CITY — August 10–11, 2026 — The TESDA XI Regional Training Center–Korea Philippines Vocational Training Center (RTC-KPVTC) welcomed Ms. Moon Young Mi, a newly deployed Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Korean Overseas Volunteer (KOV) assigned to support the Center’s Baking and Confectionery program, through a series of courtesy calls and coordination meetings with TESDA officials, local authorities, the Korean community, and partner agencies in Davao City.
On August 10, the series of engagements began with a courtesy call on Barangay Tibungco Captain Merjade D. Calvo. The meeting formally informed the barangay of Ms. Moon’s deployment to RTC-KPVTC, which is located within Barangay Tibungco, and established coordination with the local community during her stay.
At 3:00 PM, Ms. Moon was formally welcomed at RTC-KPVTC during a courtesy call with TESDA XI Regional Director Tarhata S. Mapandi, CESO III, RTC-KPVTC Center Administrator Engr. Constantino B. Panes, Jr., Ed.D., and Director Jerry G. Tizon. She was accompanied by KOICA Program Officers Ms. Kathrina Gonzales and Ms. Cho Hye Yoon.
The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss Ms. Moon’s planned activities and areas of engagement at RTC-KPVTC, particularly those supporting the Center’s Baking and Confectionery training and related initiatives during her volunteer assignment.
Representatives of the Korean Community Association, namely Mr. Maeng Bongo, Chairman; Mr. Kim Minsoo, Vice President; Ms. Kim Nayoung, Secretary; and Mr. Ahn Jeung Ho, Vice President, also joined the engagement. Their participation introduced Ms. Moon to members of the local Korean community and helped establish a support network during her stay in Davao City.
During the meeting, the Association also discussed its request for the use of the RTC-KPVTC Multi-Purpose Hall for the Commemoration of Filipino Veterans of the Korean War on September 15, 2026, an activity recognizing the contribution and sacrifices of Filipino veterans during the Korean War.
Later that afternoon, a courtesy call was made to Davao City Police Station 6, where the delegation met with Police Major Janus Lumbaya B. Macli-ing, Station Commander. The meeting focused on peace and security coordination and formally informed the local police station of the presence and assignment of the Korean volunteer within its area of responsibility.
The series of courtesy calls continued on August 11 with a visit to the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) XI, where the delegation met with Chief Lalaine Sajelan and Janice May A. Cerezo, Supervising Economic Development Specialist.
During the engagement, DEPDev XI provided Ms. Moon with an orientation on Davao City, including information on its population and local context. The discussion also covered programs and initiatives in coordination with the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA), providing additional context on volunteerism and development initiatives in the region.
The two-day series of courtesy calls provided Ms. Moon with an initial orientation to the institutions and communities that will form part of her environment during her assignment. It also strengthened coordination among RTC-KPVTC, TESDA XI, KOICA, local government and law enforcement authorities, DEPDev XI, and the Korean community.
Through these engagements, RTC-KPVTC continues to strengthen the Philippines–Korea partnership through technical vocational education and training, skills development, volunteerism, cultural exchange, and community cooperation.
