Korea, Philippines Celebrates 60 Years of Friendship

In celebration of the 60th “Philippines-Korea Friendship Year” the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) of the Department of Foreign Affairs held a conference on 11 November 2009 at the Bulwagang Blas Ople of DFA that highlighted the solid relationship of the two countries .

The conference entitled, “Philippines-Korea Relations: Mapping the Future for Enduring Partnership” discussed developments in the political, economical and cultural relations of the two countries. The distinguished speakers included His Excellency Ambassador Choi Joong Kyung, Prof. Lino Baron of the University of Santo Tomas, Mr. Eun Gap Chang, President of the Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ms. Pamela Samaniego from the Department of Tourism and Mr. Kim Yon-Chan of Kimbel International.

Ambassador Minerva Falcon, Director of FSI, in her opening remarks, noted that the relationship between the Philippines and Korea has deep groundings and continues to prosper especially in trade and investment ties. In his opening statement, Ambassador Choi, recalled that the relations of Korea and the Philippines started even before the Philippines helped South Korea in 1959 during the Korean War. He added that Filipinos and Koreans have been trading even before that period and some Filipino missionaries also went to Korea to spread the Christian word. This relationship was fully cultivated with the Korean War, where many Filipino soldiers fought and died.

Prof. Lino Baron gave a presentation on Korea’s Contribution to the Philippine Development Goals. In his presentation, he indicated that the Philippines is a priority in its Official Development Assistance (ODA) and other government assistance programs owing to the deep diplomatic and historical alliance between the two nations.. He enumerated some of the Korean-funded projects one of which is the Busuanga Airport in Palawan.

The current state of Korean investment was tackled by KCCI President Eun Gap Chang, followed by Ms. Pamela Samaniego, Head of Team Korea (DOT). Mr. Chang reiterated what Ambassador Falcon and Choi mentioned earlier, that more than half a million Korean tourists visited the country in 2008 alone. Ms. Samaniego, for her part, stated that last year the Philippines fared better compared to other Asian countries. The Philippines had a growth rate of negative 10.8% compared to other Asian countries who posted growth rates of negative 20%. This is largely due to the said influx of Koreans in the Philippines, some of which are visiting relatives already based in the country. The Philippines is now one of the top 5 destinations for Koreans. Ms. Samaniego stated that various tourist spots are being enhanced to entice more tourists.

The last presenter was Mr. Kim Yong-Chan, is a naturalized Filipino who has been residing in the country for almost 50 years and he shared his experience living in the Philippines. In his closing remarks, Assistant Secretary Ronald B. Allarey, called for intensified efforts from both Koreans and Filipinos to ensure a stronger bilateral relationship.

source: http://www.philippinechamber.com