PHL EMBASSY COMMEMORATES THE 74TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PHILIPPINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCES TO KOREA (PEFTOK)

The wreath-laying ceremony was attended by officials from the Philippines including Undersecretary Salvador Melchor B. Mison Jr., Acquisition and Resource Management of the Department of National Defense; LtGen Roy M. Galido, Commanding General of the Philippine Army; and Col. Don D. Templonuevo, Philippine Defense Attache, who read the Battle Resume. From South Korea and other countries, MGen. Kang In Kyu, Senior Member of the United Nations Command Military Armistice Commission (UNCMAC); Capt(N) Efstratios Fyntkakis, Defense Attache of the Hellenic Republic; Cpt. Zachary P. Balitaan, Commanding Officer of the UNC Honor Guard Company; and Mr. Du-Geon Kim, Chairman of the UN Korean War Allies Association (UNKWAA) likewise attended the event.

The Embassy paid tribute to the over 7,000 Filipino soldiers who answered the call to serve in Korea, underlining the Philippines' commitment to peace, freedom, and collective security. Their courage and dedication laid the foundation for one of the Philippines' most enduring international partnerships-its relationship with South Korea.

The ceremony also celebrated 75 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and South Korea, a partnership born in the crucible of war and strengthened over the decades through political, economic, and cultural cooperation. As PEFTOK has become a resounding symbol of friendship and cooperation, its legacy is a source of inspiration for both countries to continue building a future grounded in solidarity and mutual respect.

LtGen. Roy M. Galido, as the keynote speaker, highlighted the lasting legacy of PEFTOK, noting that it serves as a source of pride for the Philippines and a testament to the strength of international partnerships in ensuring regional peace and stability. Mr. Du-Geon Kim, Chairman of the UN Korean War Allies Association, also conveyed his profound gratitude to the Philippines for its crucial role during the Korean War and highlighted the various initiatives undertaken by the association, including the construction of memorials and monuments across Korea to honor PEFTOK.

Also present were members of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, including Vice Consul Jilliane De Dumo-Cornista, Labor Attache Ma. Celeste M. Valderrama, Welfare Officer Cornelia DG Chanco, and Cultural Attache Anthony Cornista, reflecting the Embassy's broad diplomatic, labor, and cultural relations with South Korea.

PEFTOK played a significant role in the Korean War, with five battalion combat teams comprising 7,420 personnel deployed to fight for peace and freedom. Today, the strong ties between the Philippines and South Korea continue to flourish, driven by mutual respect, shared values, and a common vision for peace and prosperity in the region. END