Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao holds legal caravan for OFWs in South Korea

In a meaningful culmination of Women’s Month, the Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao, Philippines, in partnership with the Philippine Embassy in Seoul and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)-Cagayan Chapter, conducted a Legal Caravan on 30 March in Seoul, South Korea.

The initiative aimed to provide free legal consultations and expert-led lectures tailored to address the most pressing legal concerns of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in South Korea, particularly in the areas of family law, marriage, inheritance and cyber-related offenses.

The event commenced with a welcome message from Philippine Ambassador to South Korea Maria Theresa De Vega, who underscored the embassy’s commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of Filipino workers abroad. She shared valuable insights on family law, marriage laws, and cyber regulations that impact OFWs, emphasizing the importance of legal awareness in securing their rights.

The caravan featured a series of lectures led by renowned legal experts and dedicated Zontians, each tackling critical issues affecting OFWs.

Attorney Mila Lauigan, Past Area Director and Chair of Membership and SOMing Committees, opened the legal seminar with an insightful discussion on marriage laws, highlighting the nuances of annulment, legal separation and divorce as applicable to Filipinos abroad.

Attorney and Club Advocacy Chair Maria Milagros Cayosa, delved into the dynamics of the Filipino family, touching on parental authority, custody issues and the legal responsibilities of OFWs toward their dependents. She also discussed the legal processes and documentary requirements for adoption.

Attorney and Zontian Keisha Lauigan, provided a comprehensive lecture on testate and intestate succession, clarifying the legal aspects of inheritance for Filipinos living overseas.

Attorney and Z Club Committee Chair Cecilia Lazaro, addressed the growing concern of cyber libel, educating attendees on digital rights, online defamation and legal remedies in cases of cyber-related offenses—a particularly relevant topic for OFWs who rely heavily on social media and online communication.

An open forum followed, allowing participants to ask questions and seek legal guidance on their specific concerns. Many attendees took advantage of the opportunity for one-on-one consultations, where they discussed personal legal matters with the panel of experts.

Adding further depth to the discussions, Associate Justice Raymond Lauigan delivered a special talk on property relations between husbands and wives, shedding light on asset management, ownership rights and property disputes—a crucial topic for OFWs securing their financial future.

Meanwhile, club President Josefina Sedano and Zontians Ludivina Potot and Theresa Dimalanta were also present at the legal caravan, assisting participants during the open forum.

The event concluded with the awarding of certificates to the distinguished Resource Persons, recognizing their efforts in extending legal assistance to Filipinos in South Korea.

Participants expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the rare opportunity to receive expert legal advice, reinforcing the Philippine Embassy’s ongoing commitment to empowering and supporting OFWs in navigating legal challenges.

Through this initiative, the club, the Philippine Embassy in Seoul and the IBP-Cagayan Chapter have once again demonstrated their unwavering dedication to uplifting the lives of Filipino workers abroad, ensuring they are legally informed, protected and empowered.