GOVPH

PHILIPPINE BOOK DONATION TO SEOUL METROPOLITAN LIBRARY IN CELEBRATION OF NATIONAL LITERATURE AND FILIPINO FOOD MONTHS

24 April 2024, Seoul – In commemoration of the 75^th Anniversary of Philippine – Korea Diplomatic Relations and in celebration of National Literature Month, the Philippine Embassy made another donation of books and publications to the Seoul Metropolitan Library (SML). On behalf of the SML and the Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG), Director Kim Yonghwan of the Knowledge and Culture Division received from Ambassador Dizon – De Vega the books and publications.

This year’s theme for National Literature Month is “Ang Panitikan at Kapayapaan (Literature and Peace)” that aims to enable a meaningful discussion about the importance and contribution of literature in maintaining and spreading peace in the country and in communities.

As April also marks “Filipino Food Month (FFM)” or “Buwan ng Kalutong Filipino”, the donation focused on works as well as publications with culinary content. This year’s FFM theme is “Engaging the Youth in Shaping the Future of Philippine Culinary Heritage and Gastronomy”.  

Director Kim welcomed the addition of the culinary publication materials to the Philippine Section in the Global Collections Room and expressed his appreciation for the second donation by the Embassy. Also present during the simple donation ceremony was Cultural Officer Anthony Cornista. END

PHILIPPINES PARTICIPATES IN THE 2024 ICAO LEGAL SEMINAR; SHARES POLICIES AND INNOVATION IN PH AVIATION SECTOR

02 May 2024, Seoul. The Philippine Department of Transportation (DOTr) represented by Hon. Roberto Cecilio O. Lim, Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports highlighted innovative policies and improvements in the Philippine aviation sector during the 2024 ICAO Legal Seminar held in Seoul, ROK from 16 to 18 April 2024. The seminar, jointly hosted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) of the Republic of Korea and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) had about 600 participants from 62 countries.

Undersecretary Lim delivered the Philippines’ intervention during the High Level Forum on Aviation Policy and Strategy attended by transport Ministers and representatives from ICAO member states. He shared the vision of “One Philippine Aviation” under which the DOTr will pursue all its aviation related activities. The platform aims to go beyond modernizing infrastructure to actually building an aviation system that will serve as a catalyst of economic growth of various sectors. He also shared the Philippine government’s efforts in crafting legislation that will improve airport operations and ensure adherence to ICAO’s safety standards.

Now on its 7^th year, the ICAO Legal Seminar serves as a platform for participants to exchange insights and experiences on topics related to global aviation policy such as aviation safety and security from a legal perspective. The seminar also highlighted innovative technologies in the aviation field such as new mobility and tackled important issues and developments in the international civil aviation. END

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

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.