Ulsan, Republic of Korea - The Philippine Embassy in Korea, led by Ambassador 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. DND, AFP, and ROK government officials were on hand to witness the ceremony. 

DND 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 where he 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 IIII 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 our close partnership. She 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 our nations’ strong and enduring strategic partnership and our commitment to defense cooperation. It 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 28 billion PHP 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