ULSAN, Republic of Korea, 13 October 2026 — The Philippine Embassy in the Republic of Korea (ROK) joined the launching of the future BRP Rajah Humabon, the Philippine Navy’s third Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV), at the HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) shipyard in Ulsan, celebrating another milestone in Philippines–ROK defense modernization cooperation while recognizing the Filipinos whose skills and service contribute to safeguarding Philippine seas.

Ambassador Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez joined Philippine Navy Flag Officer in Command Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta, AFP Vice Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Rommel P. Roldan, and senior HD HHI officials at the ceremony. The vessel is the third of six OPVs being constructed by HD HHI for the Philippine Navy, with delivery expected in February 2027.

In her congratulatory remarks, Ambassador Fernandez recalled 77 years of Philippines–ROK diplomatic relations and expressed appreciation for the ROK’s contribution to strengthening Philippine maritime defense capabilities. “Thank you for helping us in fortifying the defense of our territorial waters,” she said. 

The launching also paid tribute to the dedication of Philippine Navy personnel who serve daily to protect the country’s maritime interests. Vice Admiral Ezpeleta underscored the vessel’s contribution to building a more capable and resilient Navy, recognizing the commitment of Filipino sailors, engineers, technicians, and other personnel working alongside ROK shipbuilding partners.

Beyond the vessel itself, the occasion highlighted another important dimension of Philippines - ROK maritime cooperation: Filipino skilled workers contributing to the ROK’s world-class shipbuilding industry. 

At the sidelines of the ceremony, Ambassador Fernandez, together with Consul General Leah Victoria T. Carada of the Philippine Consulate General in Busan, Second Secretary and Consul Reisha L. Olavario, and Labor Attaché Rosemarie T. Duquez, met with approximately 20 representatives of Filipino workers employed at HD HHI and residing in the ROK’s southern region.

Ambassador Fernandez conveyed the Philippine Government’s pride in their contributions to naval shipbuilding and defense modernization, commending their professionalism, technical expertise, and strong camaraderie. The Ambassador further conveyed that their work reflects the growing role of Filipino talent in an industry central to the Philippines–ROK defense partnership.

During the engagement, Consul General Carada provided information on passport, citizenship, and notarial services available through the Philippine Consulate General in Busan, whose jurisdiction covers Ulsan and the southern Republic of Korea, and encouraged overseas voter registration. Labor Attaché Duquez encouraged the Filipino workers to take part in the programs and services of the Migrant Workers Office and OWWA, including financial literacy, skills training, and community outreach and conveyed readiness of the MWO to provide assistance to Filipino workers in the ROK should they need it. 

The BRP Rajah Humabon, named after the historic ruler of Cebu, will strengthen the Philippine Navy’s maritime surveillance, security, and territorial defense capabilities upon its delivery. Its launching stands as a tribute both to the Filipino men and women who will serve aboard Philippine naval vessels and to the skilled workers whose craftsmanship helps bring these ships to life–two vital contributions to a stronger Philippine maritime future and an enduring partnership with the ROK. END