PH Embassy Receives Senate Resolution Recognizing Strong PH-ROK Ties in Celebration of 75th Anniversary 

Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Theresa Dizon-De Vega (5th 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. (Seoul PE photo)

SEOUL 15 May 2024 – Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea 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. END

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. (Seoul PE photo)