Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega took part in the official launching of the Philippine Navy’s second 3,200-ton frigate BRP Diego Silang at the Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) headquarters in Ulsan on 27 March 2025. Below: PH-ROK officials join together to celebrate the launch of BRP Diego Silang in Ulsan.
Ulsan, Republic of Korea - The Philippine Embassy in Korea, led by Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega, took part in the official launching of the Philippine Navy’s second 3,200-ton frigate BRP Diego Silang at the Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) headquarters in Ulsan on 27 March 2025. DND, AFP, and ROK government officials were on hand to witness the ceremony.
DND Undersecretary Salvador Melchor Mison Jr. expressed his gratitude to the HHI for the timely expansion of the corvette and the importance of the BRP Diego Silang in achieving Philippine goals of enhancing capabilities and deterrence. Undersecretary Mison also looked forward to working with HHI on other sectors in sustainable defense cooperation, including beefing up materiel and enhancing the special skills of the navy through maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) initiatives.
AFP Chief of Staff Romeo Brawner Jr., Philippine Navy Flag Officer-in-Command Vice Admiral Jose Ezpeleta, were also present during the ceremony. The BRP Diego Silang was sponsored by Mrs. Ma. Socorro Mison.
Undersecretary Salvador Mison Jr. spoke of the importance of the Philippines and the Republic of Korea’s defense cooperation, a priority area of the PH-ROK Strategic Partnership during the official launch of the Philippine Navy’s second 3,200-ton frigate BRP Diego Silang at the Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) headquarters in Ulsan on 27 March 2025.
HHI CEO Lee Sang Kyun also graced the activity where he expressed appreciation for the trust accorded by the Philippine government to Korea and its companies like HHI to become partners of the Philippine Navy in modernization. The HHI CEO also reaffirmed their commitment to continued partnership in PH Horizon IIII expansion projects.
During the ceremonial launch, Ambassador Dizon-De Vega reflected on the long-standing history of the Philippines and the Republic of Korea in defense cooperation, and referred to the launch as a manifestation of our close partnership. She likewise cited the importance of a sustainable and dynamic defense cooperation, through the advance delivery of defense assets and the unwavering commitment of partners in the ROK in helping the Philippines achieve its defense modernization goals in a timely manner.
Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega raises a toast to the long-standing and dynamic 75 years of partnership between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea. Defense cooperation, including through the modernization of the Philippine naval fleet, is a cornerstone of our partnership.
Launched at the tail-end of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea, the BRP Diego Silang is a reminder of both our nations’ strong and enduring strategic partnership and our commitment to defense cooperation. It also symbolizes the Philippines and the Republic of Korea’s strong commitment to upholding a rules-based international order and preserving regional peace and stability, as it significantly enhances Philippine naval capabilities.
Equipped with advanced weapons and radar systems, the BRP Diego Silang, like its sister ship BRP Miguel Malvar, is part of the Philippine Navy’s 28 billion PHP modernization contract with Hyundai Heavy Industries signed in 2021. The newly launched Diego Silang will undergo outfitting and sea trials before being delivered to the Philippine Navy in September 2025. END
Top: Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega with Hyundai Heavy Industries senior officials, including HHI CEO Lee Sangkyun and his spouse. Below: Close coordination between the Philippines and the ROK strengthen our defense cooperation partnership. From left: ROK Defense Attache Minsu Kim, Embassy of the ROK in Manila Counselor Kwon Soon Hyun, ROK Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nala Han, Philippine Embassy in the Republic of Korea Third Secretary and Vice Consul Reisha Olavario and Defense Attache Col. Don Templonuevo Jr.
