Two delegates from the Philippines participated in the OPCW Workshop on Peaceful Development and Use of Chemistry for Member States in the Asia Region, which was held in Seoul, South Korea, from 28 to 30 October 2025. Hosted by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), this brought representatives from across Asia to promote the peaceful use of chemistry.

The Filipino participants were Atty. Jhezzarose L. Fajardo-Galorio of Mabuhay Vinyl Corporation and Samahan sa Pilipinas ng mga Industriyang Kimika (SPIK) and Mr. Arjay C. Cubos, from Unilab, Inc. and Integrated Chemists of the Philippines (ICP).

The workshop covered topics such as the categorization and identification of chemicals with dual-use applications, security across the chemical supply chain, and chemical safety and security culture into individuals’ understanding at all organizational levels.

One of the sessions was conducted by Mr. Han-gi Kim, Global Safety Engineer from Merck Germany, on what his company is doing in terms of artificial intelligence for chemical production operations and facility maintenance.

Dr. Rohan Perera, former Special Advisor and Senior Programme Officer at the OPCW, delivered a presentation during the workshop. He stressed the need for international cooperation to minimize the misuse of chemicals and also emphasized the breakthrough methods for continuous monitoring of chemical dynamics to secure their peaceful, safe use.

The workshop was also conducive to regional cooperation, attracting representatives from 18 other countries from the region, such as Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Vietnam.

Within the program, Mr. Jai Hoon Kim of Korea Chemical Industries Association (KCIA) organized a tour in the National Museum of Korea where participants were exposed to rich Buddhist legacy of Korea.

The programme was closed by Mr. Taeeon Kim, OPCW Programme Officer who expressed hope that the learnings and practical experiences in the workshop will help unified line of real practices of OPCW programmes in participating countries including the Philippines.