The Incheon Metropolitan City, South Korea’s thriving business hub, has reappointed Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda as its advisor for international affairs for another two years.
Salceda has held this position since 2009, when he served as Albay governor, marking a continuous tenure that will extend to 16 years by 2025.
Incheon Mayor Jeong-Bok Yoo signed Salceda’s certificate of reconfirmation on Nov. 28, 2023, and it will remain valid until Nov. 27, 2025.
The notice of reappointment, signed by Incheon director of foreign affairs department Young-Sin Kim, cites Article II of the Ordinance for International Cooperation and Exchanges, and the Internationalization of the Incheon Metropolitan City, as the basis for Salceda’s renewed appointment.
Salceda, currently in his final term as a member of Congress and serving as the chair of the House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee, expressed gratitude to Incheon Mayor Jeong-Bok Yoo and the Incheon Metropolitan Authority for their continued trust over the past 14 years.
He remains optimistic that the existing sisterhood pact between the two local governments will thrive, leveraging his second congressional district office in Legazpi City, Albay’s business hub, to facilitate new trade relations with Incheon.
Salceda initiated connections with South Korea, specifically Incheon City, in December 2007, establishing close relations with top officials and legislators before his appointment as the international economic advisor of Incheon Metropolitan Authority. He considers the honor bestowed on Albay and its people as recognition for their solid achievements in local governance during his three-term tenure as governor.
During Salceda’s nine-year Albay governorship, the province earned numerous honors and awards in various fields, including disaster risk reduction-climate change adaptation, health, spatial development, tourism, arts, culture, and heritage.
The unfinished Albay Integrated Comprehensive Advanced Strategy for Agriculture program (AICASA) also contributed to Albay’s recognition as the 2nd highest producer of camote.
Salceda has served six terms as Incheon foreign advisor, spanning from 2009 to 2023, and is currently in his 7th term.