GOVPH

PH SECRETARY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS REAFFIRMS PH COMMITMENT TO PEACE ON THE KOREAN PENINSULA

The Philippines’ partnership with the Republic of Korea is deeply entrenched in our history of fighting shoulder-to-shoulder during the Korean War. This solidarity has been the bedrock of our partnership for 75 years and the Philippines and the Republic of Korea continue to be partners in upholding regional peace and stability today.

Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo honored the valor and bravery of the 7, 420 Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK) soldiers who fought in the Korean War through a simple but meaningful wreath-laying ceremony at the War Memorial of Korea.

Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo also had an opportunity to meet with officials of the United Nations Command (UNC) – Joint Security Area (JSA). During his meeting with UNC Deputy Commander Lt. Gen. Derek Macaulay and senior officials of the UN Command on 9 August 2024, SFA Manalo recognized the important role of the JSA in keeping the peace in the UN Peninsula and thanked the UNC members for their service. UNC officials also guided the Secretary during a brief tour of the JSA and provided updates on the work that the UNC does to ensure peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

SFA Manalo likewise reaffirmed the Philippine commitment to upholding peace on the Korean Peninsula, saying that “The Philippines stands with the Republic of Korea in calling for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.” The Secretary also reiterated that the Philippines will continue to support efforts to secure the complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. The full remarks of the Secretary may be accessed through the link: https://dfa.gov.ph/statement-remarks-apc/35296-statement-of-philippine-foreign-affairs-secretary-enrique-a-manalo-official-visit-to-the-joint-security-area.

The Philippines is a proud and active member of the UN Command Sending States through policy discussions, exchanges, and exercises. A Philippine contingent is deployed to the UN Honor Guard Company to reinvigorate and further strengthen Philippine membership and participation in the UNC.

Secretary Manalo and his delegation also visited the Imjingak Peace Park in Paju where various monuments and remnants of the Korean War are situated. END

SFA ENRIQUE MANALO MEETS WITH SOUTH KOREAN PRIME MINISTER HAN DUCK SOO AND FOREIGN MINISTER CHO TAE-YUL

August 2024 was a momentous month for Philippines – Republic of Korea relations as Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique A. Manalo undertook his first Official Visit to the Republic of Korea from 6-9 August 2024. This is the first stand-alone visit of a Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary to South Korea in seven (7) years. The visit of SFA Manalo also comes at an auspicious time, as this year marks the 75^th anniversary of Philippines – Republic of Korea diplomatic relations.

SFA Manalo met with his counterpart, ROK Foreign Minister Cho Tae Yul on 7 August 2024 where the two foreign ministers looked forward to more elevated ties between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea to reflect the expansion of our dynamic partnership in future-oriented sectors in defense, maritime cooperation, infrastructure, smart agriculture, development cooperation, energy, and people-to-people ties.

SFA Manalo also met with Prime Minister Han Duck soo where both sides agreed to work closely together on areas of mutual concern, including the welfare of Overseas Filipinos living in the Republic of Korea and next year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit which will be hosted in Gyeongju.

ROK counterparts acknowledged the Philippines’ valuable contribution as the first Southeast Asian country to form relations with the Republic of Korea and as the first country in Asia to send troops for the Korean War from 1950-1953. The Philippines is also recognized as having sent the most soldiers out of any Asian country with 7,420 troops through the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK). PEFTOK went on to win critical battles during the Korean War which helped paved the way for the freedom and democracy South Korea enjoys today. END

PHILIPPINE TOURISM SECTOR INVITES TRAVELERS TO CENTRAL LUZON DURING KOREA ROADSHOW

25 August 2024, Seoul. Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea H.E. Theresa Dizon-De Vega delivered opening remarks during the Central Luzon product presentation conducted by the Department of Tourism Region 3 (DOT 3), Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corp. (LIPAD Corp.), Clark Development Corporation (CDC), Provincial Tourism Office of Bataan and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) in cooperation with the Philippine Department of Tourism – Korea Office (PDOT-Korea) on 22 August 2024 at the Korea Press Center Building, Jung-gu, Seoul, ROK. The product presentation is part of the Central Luzon Tourism Development Roadshow that aims to boost inbound tourism to Central Luzon.

In her remarks, Ambassador Dizon-De Vega said that Clark remains the number one tourism destination in the Central Luzon area. It is conveniently located less than two hours from the heart of Manila through a modern system of highways and roads. It is serviced by the new, efficient, modern, and award-winning Clark International Airport which has been adjudged among the best in its airport category globally and which is accessible by direct flights from several Korean locations. Clark provides multifaceted tourism and travel experiences from heritage tourism, farm tourism, leisure tourism, convention facilities, and culinary experiences. She likewise sought the support of Korean partners in promoting Clark as a unique, fun, and memorable travel destination.

Ms. Elenita Lorezo Manager of the Tourism Promotions Division of CDC, Ms. Raquel J. Delos Reyes, Division Chief 3, Tourism Department of SBMA, and Ms. Chriselle Yambao, Supervising Tourism Operations Officer of DOT 3 made presentations on the various tourism destinations in the Central Luzon area to over 50 participants coming from the Korean travel and tourism sector as well as representatives from the media.

A day prior to the event, Ambassador Dizon-De Vega was joined by PDOT-Korea Tourism Director Ma. Corazon Jorda-Apo in receiving the delegation from the CDC headed by its President and CEO Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera, DOT Region 3 headed by STOO Chriselle Yambao, SBMA Division Chief 3 Raquel Delos Reyes and LIPAD Corp. led by their President and CEO Mr. Noel F. Manankil at the Sentro Rizal Conference Room of the Philippine Embassy. END