BRP Diego Silang Launches In South Korea
Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea 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. (Seoul PE photos)
SEOUL 14 April 2025 — The Philippine Embassy in Seoul, led by Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea 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. Department of National Defense, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and ROK government officials were on hand to witness the ceremony.
Philippine National Defense 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.
HHI CEO Lee Sang Kyun also graced the activity and 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 III 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 the two countries’ close partnership. Ambassador Dizon-De Vega 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.
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 the two countries’ strong and enduring strategic partnership and the Philippines’ commitment to defense cooperation. The newly launched ship 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 PHP 28 billion 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
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. (Seoul PE photos)
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. (Seoul PE photos)
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 strengthens the two countries’ defense cooperation partnership. From left: ROK Defense Attaché 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 Attaché Col. Don Templonuevo Jr. (Seoul PE photos)
For more information, visit https://www.seoulpe.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.philembassy-seoul.com, https://www.instagram.com/phinkorea or https://www.facebook.com/PHinKorea/.