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ASEAN ENVOYS, ROK OFFICIALS DISCUSS FORESTRY COOPERATION

ASEAN heads of mission pose for a souvenir photo at the Grand Hyatt Seoul. (L to R) Mr. Myo Thant Pe from Myanmar; Ms. Dewi Gustina Tobing from Indonesia; H.E. Raul S. Hernandez from Philippines; H.E. Suth Dina from Cambodia; H.E. Khamla Xyachack from Lao PDR; H.E. Dato' Haji Harun Ismail from Brunei Darussalam; Dr. Shin Won-Sop, Minister of the Korea Forest Service; H.E. Dato Rohana Ramil from Malaysia; H.E. Peter Tan Hai Chuan from Singapore; Ms. Phasana Puthikampol from Thailand; and Mr. Dong Manh Nguyen from Viet Nam.

Seoul, 5 June 2014 – The Korea Forestry Service briefed ASEAN ambassadors in Seoul on Thursday, 5 June 2014 on the status of the forestry cooperation between ASEAN and the Republic of Korea (ROK), with an eye toward optimizing an existing agreement between the two sides.

South Korea and the 10 ASEAN member states signed in November 2011 an MOU on Forestry Cooperation during the 14th ASEAN- ROK Summit in Indonesia. Following the implementation of various projects throughout Southeast Asia, the parties to the MOU have decided to move ahead with the establishment of a regional organization called the Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFOCO). In the Philippines, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Korea Forestry Service are jointly implementing projects in forest management. One significant project is “Climate-Proofing of the Philippine Revised Master Plan for Forestry Development,” which aims to enhance the resiliency of Philippine forest ecosystems and forest dependent communities to impacts of climate change.

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December 01, 2025
LAUNCH OF BRP RAJAH LAKANDULA HIGHLIGHTS STRONG PH-ROK DEFENSE PARTNERSHIP

Ulsan, Republic of Korea – The Philippine Embassy in Seoul, led by Ambassador-designate Bernadette Therese Fernandez, joined the official launching of the BRP Rajah Lakandula on 20 November 2025 at the HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) shipyard in Ulsan, highlighting the expanding strategic and economic significance of the Philippine–Republic of Korea defense partnership, particularly in the area of defense industrial cooperation.  Representing the Philippines in the ceremony were Navy Vice Commander MGen Edwin E. Amadar, AFP Vice Chief of Staff LtGen Jimmy D. Larida, and Defense Procurement Service Chief Atty. Effie R. Agsaoay. The Ambassador-designate was also accompanied by officers of the Embassy, First Secretary and Consul Flaureen Dacanay, Third Secretary and Vice Consul Reisha Olavario, and Philippine Defense Attaché to the ROK Col. Don Templonuevo. HD HHI was led by President/COO of Naval & Medium Size Ship Building Business Unit Joo Wonho. In his remarks, Vice Commander Amadar emphasized that the vessel’s launch demonstrates the Philippine Navy’s commitment to a modern, credible, and self-reliant force capable of safeguarding national and regional stability. He also highlighted that the OPV program reflects the growing trust and cooperation between the Philippines and the ROK, built on shared values and a vision for long-term peace and security. Designed for long-range and sustained operations, the BRP Rajah Lakandula will support anti-smuggling, anti-piracy, disaster relief, and extended patrols across the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone, significantly expanding Philippine maritime security coverage. Ambassador-designate Fernandez, in a ceremonial toast, reaffirmed that defense cooperation with the Republic of Korea is now an essential pillar of bilateral relations. She emphasized that naval modernization not only strengthens the Philippines’ security posture but also stimulates economic activity, facilitates technology partnerships, and supports Filipino workers in the ROK’s shipbuilding sector. In her discussions with HHI leadership, the Ambassador-designate commended the early delivery of Philippine vessels and underscored the importance of worker welfare and sustained defense industrial cooperation. The BRP Rajah Lakandula launch is a tangible example of how strategic defense partnerships can deliver both security capabilities and long-term economic value. The Philippine Embassy will continue to advance these priorities as part of its broader mandate to strengthen PH–ROK strategic partnership in the years ahead. END

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November 29, 2025
EMPOWERMENT IN THE DIGITAL ERA: EMBASSY CHAMPIONS PROTECTION AGAINST TECH-BASED GENDER VIOLENCE

23 November 2025, Seoul - The Philippine Embassy in Seoul, through its Gender and Development (GAD) Unit, successfully conducted a Digital Safety and Awareness Forum aimed at equipping the Filipino community in the Republic of Korea with the knowledge and tools to prevent and respond to Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV). Held on 23 November 2025, the event addressed a broad spectrum of digital risks, while promoting responsible digital citizenship and awareness of online rights. The forum forms part of the global observance of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (25 November–12 December), highlighting digital safety as an essential pillar of anti-VAWC initiatives.

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November 29, 2025
PHILIPPINE EMBASSY WELCOMES DELEGATION FROM JOHN B. LACSON FOUNDATION MARITIME UNIVERSITY (MOLO) INC.

24 November 2025, Seoul – The Philippine Embassy in Seoul, led by Ambassador-designate Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez, received a courtesy call from eighty (80) tourism students and seven (7) faculty members of the John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (Molo), Inc. on 13 November 2025 at the Sentro Rizal Hall. The group undertook a study visit and benchmarking program in Seoul from 10–13 November 2025 to enrich the university’s academic offerings and broaden the students’ global perspectives.

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