The Official Website of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, Korea

PHILIPPINE EMBASSY RECEIVES SENATE RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING STRONG PH-ROK TIES IN CELEBRATION OF 75TH ANNIVERSARY

H.E. Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega (5^th from left) led the officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy in unveiling the resolution recognizing both countries’ long-standing relations during the Embassy flag ceremony on 13 May 2024.

13 May 2024, Seoul – Philippine Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega led the Embassy team in unveiling a framed copy of Philippine Senate Resolution No. 946 adopted on 11 March 2024 recognizing the enduring amity and cooperation between the Philippines and South Korea in celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year. The unveiling took place during the Embassy’s flag raising ceremony on 13 May 2024.

The Philippine Embassy is proud to display the Senate resolution commemorating 75 years of relations between the Philippines and Korea as it is a manifestation of our enduring partnership, solidified by shared values anchored on freedom, rule of law, and human rights. It likewise symbolizes our dynamic areas of cooperation in a multitude of fields, all of which contribute to strengthening our people-to-people ties.

In his resolution sponsorship speech last March 2024, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian described how the mutual cooperation and friendship between the two countries have contributed to the promotion of diplomatic relations and growth across various areas. He recalled that the shared history between the two countries was marked by the valor of Filipinos during the Korean War when the Philippines courageously deployed the Philippine Expeditionary Force to join the Korean Armed Forces and other countries in defense of freedom and democracy.

"The collaboration between our countries which started in defense has since extended to trade and investment, maritime affairs, and people-to-people exchange, among others," Senator Gatchalian said. The senator also cited the support of the Philippines to the inter-Korean peace process and reconciliation efforts, as well as Korea's support for the Philippines in pursuit of defense capability modernization.

He likewise highlighted the 251 Korean companies in the Philippines, channeling nearly PHP90 billion in investments across various economic zones in the country. These enterprises employ about 45,000 Filipino workers, contributing significantly to the local job market, and have yielded export revenues totaling USD 1.1 billion as of August 2022.

The Republic of Korea is the Philippines’ top source market of foreign tourist arrivals. In 2023 around 1.44 million Korean visitors visited the Philippines, representing about one out of every four foreign tourists entering the country.

Various events will be held to mark this commemorative year for Philippines-Korea relations.

Left: The glass-framed Philippine Senate Resolution No. 946, recognizing the enduring amity and cooperation between the Philippines and South Korea as signed by Senate President Miguel Zubiri. Members of the Philippine Senate, including Senate President Miguel Zubiri, Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairperson Imee R. Marcos, and Senator Sherwin Gatchalian during the adoption of the Senate Resolution. ROK Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sanghwa witnessed the signing of the resolution.

MS. LENORE RS LIM HOLDS SOLO PRINTMAKING EXHIBITION AT THE MARU ART CENTER IN SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA

PHOTOS – Top left: Ambassador Maria Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega delivers her welcome message. Top right: Special Remarks by artist Lenore RS Lim (Bottom photo L to R): Ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Opening of Exhibition and Artist’s Reception by Ambassador Carlos Penafiel Soto of Mexico, Mr. Jose “Didi” Lim, Ambassador Maria Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega, Ms. Lenore RS Lim, Mr. Lee Jon-Yong, Chairman of the Diplomacy Journal, Mrs. Baek Soo-mi, Chairperson of Hansae Yes24 Foundation, and Mr. Kim Yun-tae, Director of the Multiculture Museum.

06 May 2024, Insa-dong, Seoul – Internationally acclaimed artist, Ms. Lenore RS Lim, showcased 25 intricate artworks in a solo exhibition held at the Maru Art Center, located in the vibrant and culturally rich enclave of Insa-dong in Seoul. The exhibition was held from 01 May to 06 May 2024.

Entitled, “Interwoven Horizons: A Tapestry of Philippines – Korea Relations in Art”, the art exhibit celebrates the rich cultural and diplomatic connection between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea over a span of 75 years. This exhibition showcases the mesmerizing artworks of the artist from as early as 1992 to 2022. The works skillfully capture the essence of this enduring relationship through serigraphs, etchings, prints, and abstract works highlighting our shared appreciation for art.

Photos of artworks taken at the Lenore RS Lim Exhibition held at the Maru Art Center.

Photos of artworks taken at the Lenore RS Lim Exhibition held at the Maru Art Center.

In her welcome remarks at the Artist’s Reception, Philippine Ambassador Theresa Dizon – De Vega, conveyed “We wanted to share Lenore’s unique talent as a proud Filipino artist in this special year for Philippines – Korea relations. A 75-year partnership forged in blood and sacrifice but also buoyed by the special people-to-people relations and connections made through arts and culture.”

In her message, Ms. Lenore RS Lim said, “I am particularly humbled that, through my art, I am able to participate in celebrating a truly wonderful relationship between our two nations and people.” She likewise expressed her sincere gratitude to Ambassador Dizon – De Vega and Chairman Lee Jon-Yong of the event’s co-organizer, the Diplomacy Journal and Damwha Media Group, for making the exhibit a reality.

PHOTOS: Top: Officers and Staff from the Philippine Embassy admiring the artworks of Lenore RS Lim. Middle: Art knows no bounds, art lovers from Moscow and Seoul. Bottom L to R: Ms. Pamela Anne Isip, member of Pinoy Iskolar in Korea (PIKO) volunteer, Father Jason Antiquera, a Korea-based Filipino missionary, Lenore RS Lim, and art enthusiasts from the USA and the Philippines.

Chairman Lee offered his congratulations to Ms. Lim on her solo exhibition at the Maru Art Center. He further emphasized, that “cultural exchange through art is the best form of people-to-people exchange.”

PHOTOS: Top left: Ambassador Dizon-De Vega and Diplomacy Journal Chairman Lee present a Certificate of Appreciation to artist Lenore RS Lim. Top right: PH Ambassador to China Jaime Florcruz and Mrs. Cruz, Ambassador Jie-ae Sohn, Ambassador for Cultural Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Korea, the Artist Lenore RS Lim, Ms. Avie Felix Artist & Curator, and Mr. Jose “Didi” Lim. Bottom Left: Ms. Rina Marquez, Area Studies scholar and PH heritage advocate and Ms. Johanna Zulueta, visiting Professor of Sociology from Toyo University, Japan. Bottom right: Lenore RS Lim, with Ambassador Dizon-De Vega, Cultural Officer Anthony Cornista, Philippine Embassy and the Santos Family visiting from the Philippines.

Present during the opening reception were members from the Diplomatic Corps in Korea, prominent leaders from the business sector, Directors of government and private museums in Seoul, cultural organizations, Filipino Community members, and Korean media. Also in attendance were the Officers and staff from the Philippine Embassy and attached government agencies. Ms. Jie-ae Sohn, Ambassador for Cultural Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) likewise viewed the exhibit and met the artist.

Lenore RS Lim has an ongoing exhibition at the National Museum of the Philippines in Manila until March 2025. END

ASEAN-KOREA CENTRE SECRETARY-GENERAL CALLS ON PHILIPPINE AMBASSADOR

Amb. Theresa Dizon-De Vega and ASEAN Korea Centre Secretary General Kim Jae Shin at the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, 24 April 2024

SEOUL – Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Ma. Theresa Dizon-De Vega met with ASEAN-Korea Centre Secretary General Kim Jae Shin on 24 April 2024 at the Philippine Embassy in Seoul and discussed ways to enhance ASEAN-Republic of Korea cooperation.

Ambassador Dizon-De Vega provided perspectives on strengthening ASEAN-ROK cooperation through functional cooperation on the economic front, especially in addressing challenges in connectivity brought by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence. The Ambassador also invited AKC to explore possible cooperation on marine litter management and sustainability through the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity headquartered in Laguna, Philippines. The Ambassador also informed Secretary-General Kim of the numerous initiatives of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul in celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea.

Recognizing the active role of the Ambassador in the ASEAN Committee in Seoul, AKC Secretary General Kim lauded the Philippines’ pioneering initiatives in ASEAN-ROK cooperation and looked forward to working closely with the Philippines during his tenure as AKC Secretary General.

A friend of the Philippines, AKC Secretary General Kim holds fond memories of the country when he served as ROK Ambassador in Manila from 2015 to 2017. He was also the deputy foreign minister and a presidential secretary for foreign affairs during the 2008-2013 Lee Myung-bak administration.

END

Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega (third from right) and Secretary-General Kim Jae Shin (second from right) was joined by Philippine Embassy officials Minister and Consul General Romulo Victor Israel Jr (AKC Executive Board Member, second from left) and Third Secretary and Vice Consul Reisha Olavario (AKC Working Group member, rightmost) during the call.

PHILIPPINE PRESIDENT DISCUSSES PH-ROK ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES AND 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF RELATIONS WITH MAEKYUNG MEDIA GROUP CHAIRMAN

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Korea’s Maekyung Media Group Chairman and President Chang Dae-Hwan discuss PH-ROK economic prospects at the Malacañang Palace, in Manila, Philippines.

06 May 2024, Seoul - Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sat down with Maekyung Media Group Chairman Chang Dae-hwan on 2 May 2024 to discuss the 75th anniversary of Philippines - Republic of Korea relations and the vibrant economic prospects between the two countries through the ratification of the Philippines - Republic Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This is the first in-person interview of the President with a Korean news media group.

The President discussed the importance of the PH-ROK FTA at length, which is expected to have enormous economic effects in many of our strategic industries including automobiles and automotive parts and agricultural products. He looked forward to the support of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea for the speedy ratification of the FTA. He likewise looked forward to continued Philippines – Republic of Korea cooperation in transformative infrastructure projects such as the Panay-Guimaras-Negros Island Bridge Project, the Panguil Bay Bridge Project, and the modernization of the Manila International Airport with the help of Korean companies.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos conveyed his high hopes for cooperation in promising strategic areas such as energy, digitalization, critical raw minerals processing, green technology, and people-to-people exchanges. The President shared the government’s parallel efforts to strengthen the ease of doing business and other incentives for Korean companies interested in investing in the Philippines. As of 2022, the volume of trade between the two countries stood at $17.5 billion.

Founded in 1966, the Maeil Business Newspaper is an esteemed comprehensive daily business newspaper in South Korea with a circulation of 1.2 million readers. Aside from the Maeil Business newspaper, the Maekyung Media Group also operates a broadcasting network and other publications. The MBN television broadcast, whose prime-time news aired the interview, reaches 15 million viewers every day.

Philippine Ambassador to Korea Theresa Dizon-De Vega met with MBN President and Chairman Chang Dae-Hwan prior to the interview in the Philippines. A key figure in Korean business and news circles, Chairman Chang has fond memories of the Philippines as his father served as ROK Ambassador to the Philippines under the administration of the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. END

The interview was published in the Maeil Business Newspaper and in Maekyung Group’s digital website, aside from being aired on MBN primetime news on 3 May 2024. Founded in 1966, the Mail Business Newspaper has a circulation of 1.2 million readers. The MBN television broadcast reaches 15 million viewers every day.