KOREA-PHILIPPINES TIES. South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Han Dong-man (center) visit Xavier Ateneo to talk about diplomatic relations, development, and K-Pop. Photo by Gene Verona.
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines — In his first visit to Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan on January 21, South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Han Dong-man shared on the blossoming relationship between the two countries, exciting development projects, and of course, K-Pop and K-Drama.
In a room packed with faculty members, students, and guests, Han discussed the KOR-PH bilateral relations which he described as “rooted in history.”
In 1949, the Philippines became one of the first ASEAN member-countries to establish diplomatic relations with the Republic of Korea. From 1950 to 1953, a total of 7,420 Filipino soldiers as the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK) fought gallantly in the Korean War, where 112 died and 299 were wounded.
“This experience opened the door for Korea and the Philippines to forge a unique and lasting friendship,” Han said. “I cannot forget the [Filipino soldiers’] sacrifice.”
At present, the two countries are cooperating in the areas of trade and investment, defense and security, cultural programs, and tourism, among others.
South Korea is the fourth largest trading partner of the Philippines (next to China, Japan, US). It is also the third highest import source and fifth highest export destination of the Philippines. The total trade volume is valued at $14.3B.
Meanwhile, the Philippines’ main exports to Korea include electronic integrated circuits ($856M), bananas and plantains ($288M), and unrefined copper and copper anodes ($218M).
People-to-people exchanges
When Typhoon Yolanda hit the province of Leyte in 2013, the South Korean government dispatched its first and largest peacetime operation unit called “Araw Contingent.”
“Members of the military engineering and medical corps stayed in Leyte for one year to help their Filipino brothers and sisters in conducting relief and rehabilitation operations,” Han said.
South Korea donated Php5M to the Philippine Red Cross as a response to those affected by the armed conflict in Marawi.
In terms of tourism, Han said that “Korea remains the top tourist market of the Philippines, since 2010." In 2017 alone, approximately 1.6 million Koreans visited the Philippines, an equivalent to 24% in the market share.
Infrastructure projects
Han went on to discuss some development projects as part of strengthening KOR-PH relations.
First on the list, the $92M (₱4.8B) Panguil Bay Bridge project is expected to start construction by early 2019. This 3.7 km-long bridge is meant to be completed and fully-functional by October 2021.
“This bridge will help shorten the travel time between the provinces of Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental from 1 hour and 30 minutes to 7 minutes,” Han said.
Other upcoming projects include the Jalaur River Multipurpose Project ($208M), Integrated Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation Measures in Low-Lying Areas in Pampanga Bay ($80M), Samar Pacific Coastal Road Project ($20M), and the improvement of the Laguindingan Airport.
In May 2018, South Korea and the Philippines signed a $1B Framework Arrangement on Loans from the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF). These concessional loans will finance multiple infrastructure projects until 2022. The first project is the $199M New Cebu International Container Port Project through a $173M EDCF loan.
“The Philippines is currently the third largest EDCF partner of Korea,” Han said, adding that his government is willing to work together toward mutual development. In turn, Han said, they are asking the Philippine government to welcome Koreans in the country and assure their security and safety while they are staying here.
K-Pop and K-Drama
The ambassador also shared his thoughts on how K-Pop and K-Drama have greatly impacted Filipinos.
“Filipinos love K-Drama and K-Pop so much,” Han said. “We would love to bring more Korean artists each year to the Philippines.”
Filipino Spotify users are the top K-Pop streamers in Asia, and second globally. With BTS, EXO, and Blackpink as the country’s most streamed K-Pop artists on Spotify Philippines.
In addition, Momoland’s “Bboom Bboom” was number 1 on iTunes Philippines.
“President Moon Jae-in was delighted to know that Filipinos have embraced the Korean culture,” Han shared.
The ambassador also reported happily the developments on the North and South Koreas' ongoing peace process, which he described as “sincere and candid.”
"South and North Korea underwent a series of conflicts throughout the years of national division, but through talks and exchanges, [we] have persistently striven to heal the wounds left behind by the tragedy," he said.
On behalf of Xavier Ateneo, Fr Roberto C Yap SJ thanked Han for visiting the university, which also served as a gathering of Korean XU students and other members of the Korean community of Cagayan de Oro City. Before heading to the airport, Han visited the Museo de Oro, saying "you have an amazing museum here and I want to visit it before I leave."
“We are very happy that in your second trip to Cagayan de Oro, you have chosen Xavier Ateneo to visit,” Yap said. “We look forward to deepening more our friendship, between South Korea and the Philippines.”∎