How Philippine worker became vice mayor after returning home

Avon Domalaon, the vice mayor of Prieto Diaz in the province of Sorsogon of the Philippines, attends an Employment Permit System information session held in Aklan in December, 2022. During the event, he shared his work experience in Korea with those hoping to follow in his footsteps. Courtesy of Human Resources Development Service of Korea

Avon Domalaon of the Philippines worked for construction companies in Korea from 2006 to 2012 on an E-9 nonprofessional employment visa under the Employment Permit System (EPS).

After having gained various experiences in Korea, he returned home and became the deputy mayor of Prieto Diaz, a coastal municipality in the province of Sorsogon.

Korea’s Ministry of Employment and Labor recognized his success, presenting an award to him at an event held on Nov. 22 in Seoul where 15 foreign workers who have returned to their home countries after working in Korea under the EPS were present.

“When I entered Korea first, I felt uncertainty as I was on the threshold of a new life,” Domalaon said. “But I had good experiences. Companies I worked for put importance on safety, advising workers to comply with strict rules. I could also have an opportunity to experience Korea’s systems and culture.”

Domalaon said that the money he saved while working in Korea helped him to begin a political career in his hometown.

“I am currently serving as the deputy mayor of my hometown by utilizing knowledge and experience that I gained in Korea,” he said. “My experience in Korea has allowed me to contribute to my hometown. I want to make more developments in the future based on it.”

The EPS is a migration labor program, under which workers from 16 Asian countries including the Philippines, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Thailand are allowed to work in Korea with E-9 nonprofessional employment visas.

The system began in 2004 to address personnel shortages in small- and medium-sized companies. So far, about 940,000 workers have entered Korea to work under this system.

Domalaon said he has continued to communicate with his old colleagues and friends that he met in Korea through Facebook and other messenger programs.

“I highly recommend working in Korea as the country offers a safe working environment and an opportunity to grow. I enjoyed working with Korean people,” he said.