SEOUL, 05 June 2022 — Philippines National Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana and ROK Patriot and Veterans Affairs Minister Park Minshik sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Veterans Affairs Cooperation, during Secretary Lorenzana’s Official Visit to Seoul, at the Westin Josun Seoul Hotel on 03 June 2022.

The Philippines-Korea MOU will strengthen support for each countries’ Korean War veterans and exchanges among the veterans’ descendants. Also present during the signing ceremony was Philippine Ambassador Theresa Dizon De-Vega, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office Administrator Undersecretary Ernesto G. Carolina, and Ms. Young Erlinda Mae, the daughter of the late Maj. Maximo Young (ret), president of the Philippine War Veterans Association, officials from the Ministry of Patriot and Veterans Affairs, and descendants of Korean War veterans.

The MOU contributes meaningfully to the realization of the shared objectives of PH and ROK in expanding international projects honoring the sacrifices and dedications of veterans, including the 7,420 Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK) troops the Philippines sent in support of South Korea during the 1950-53 Korean War. It is the third-largest force contribution after the United States and Britain to the war. The Republic of Korea, has continuously manifested support for the Philippine government’s endeavors concerning PEFTOK veterans through the years and most recently various donations during the COVID-19 pandemic for elderly Filipino Korean War veterans and their families.

Both Ministers also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening veterans affairs cooperation through the establishment of a consultative body as well as participation in veterans affairs activities organized by both countries. END