22/04/2026
Second Batch of Cordovanhon Workers Return to South Korea as Seasonal Trainees
A second batch of workers from Cordova has successfully returned to South Korea under the Korea Seasonal Trainees (KST) program, overcoming uncertainties caused by recent political transitions that had initially raised concerns about the program’s continuity.
Arnel Estillore, Carlo Anton Dano Jr., Garry Creer, and Larry Pacaldo departed on April 15, 2026, to resume work with their previous employers in Haenam County. Their deployment follows the first batch sent last year, who were assigned to Sokcho.
The returning workers are part of more than 1,000 participants in the Cordova–Korea Agricultural and Fishery Exchange and Cooperation Agreement, a program launched in 2018 to strengthen international cooperation and enhance agricultural and fishery competitiveness.
The initiative has enabled Cordovanhon workers to train and work in several Korean localities, including Pyeongchang, Buyeo, Jeongseon, Hoengseong County, and Yeongwol County.
The program was spearheaded by former Cordova mayor Teche Sitoy Cho, with support from Charlie Cho, chairman of the Cebu Korean Association (CKA) and president of the Philippine Seasonal Workers for South Korea.
It was designed to provide local workers with skills training, exposure to modern farming and fishery practices, and employment opportunities abroad.
The initiative temporarily halted in 2022 following political changes in Cordova. After the 2025 elections, concerns resurfaced regarding its continuation. Despite this, the second batch was able to return through direct requests from their Korean employers, with assistance from the Municipality of Tudela Mayor Jojo Solante and endorsement from the CKA.
Solante’s local government unit has also established partnerships with Korean counties such as Haenam and Sokcho thru the assistance of CKA.
Their redeployment underscores the sustained labor exchange ties between Cebu and South Korean localities, particularly in the agricultural and fishery sectors.
“We are happy that we were able to return here in South Korea and work again,” said Creer. “We are thankful to Sir Charlie Cho, former Mayor Teche Sitoy Cho, and Mayor Solante for giving us the opportunity to come back.”
The Cordova–Korea Seasonal Trainees program began in February 2018 through agreements with Wonju and Hoengseong County, focusing on farm skills training and addressing labor shortages. It expanded in March 2018 with a partnership with Sokcho for fishery and agricultural exchange, followed by another agreement with Jangsu County in 2019.
Since its inception, the program has enabled thousands of Cordovanhons—including fishermen and barangay officials—to gain hands-on experience in South Korea’s advanced agricultural and fishing industries while earning income to support their families.
In an earlier statement, Sitoy Cho reaffirmed her commitment to sustaining the initiative, emphasizing continued support for training and employment opportunities for Cordovanhons in South Korea beyond her term in office.
The successful redeployment of the second batch highlights both the resilience of the workers and the strength of international partnerships, demonstrating that opportunities for global employment and skills development can endure beyond political transitions.
