EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC
OF THE PHILIPPINES


SEOUL REPUBLIC OF KOREA

news

Message of Ambassador Luis T. Cruz, Philippine National Day Reception, 07 June 2012


The story of Philippine Independence is one that reverberates deep and far. Ours began with a passionate and deep-seated desire to be set free from colonial oppression - a desire that was fueled by the nationalistic fervor of our forefathers. This intense yearning for self-determination reached its climax on June 12, 1898 when the Republic of Philippines finally flew its flag as an independent country on equal footing with other nations.

Today, we now have vibrant economy that has successfully overcome global crises, as evidenced by the 6.4 per cent growth rate of our GNP for the first quarter of this year. It is the second highest growth rate in Asia. We have the political machinery that consistently prioritizes the security and welfare of its people. We are proud to be an active and responsible member of the international community. We are driven by the same courage and vision our predecessors displayed: we continue to strengthen our national foundations as we reach out to our neighbors on mutually important issues such as poverty alleviation, human security and environmental sustainability.
We have, for the better part, achieved success on these issues with the continuing partnership of like-minded countries. The Republic of Korea, for instance, remains a close and significant ally from since we stood side-by-side during the Korean War until now when relations have expanded to vast and diverse fields. Let me therefore take this opportunity to express my satisfaction with the excellent relations our countries have built since diplomatic ties began on March 3, 1949.
Currently, our two countries are working closely together on Multi-Industry Clusters bound to raise agricultural productivity and community well-being in Philippine rural areas. As an archipelagic country, the Philippines has demonstrated its support to the objective of the 2012 World Expo in Yeosu on “The Living Ocean and Coast” through its active participation in the ongoing showcase of the richness and wealth of the Philippine marine biodiversity. Through the Yeosu Expo, South Korea has proven that business can be made from, and perhaps more importantly for, the environment. It also serves to emphasize the viability of its low carbon green growth strategy.
As our two countries continue our journey of mutual cooperation, let us reach far across our region and towards a future where our children can benefit from the full potential that a healthy, diverse and sustainable environment provides.
At this point, I wish to invite all of you to raise your glasses as I propose a toast to the nation and peoples of the Republic of the Philippines, to the enduring friendship between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea, and to our collective desire for a world we can proudly bequeath to coming generations.
Mabuhay! (Long Live!)

Other News


September 08, 2025
PHILIPPINE EMBASSY WELCOMES KDIS-DAP INTERNATIONAL SHUTTLE COURSE ON DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION DELEGATES

04 September 2025, Seoul – The Philippine Embassy in Seoul, led by Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Edwin Gil Q. Mendoza, welcomed Former Senator Francis Tolentino, local chief executives and national government officials participating in the International Shuttle Course (ISC) on Digital Transformation in the Public Sector program of the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) and Korea Development Institute School of Public Policy and Management (KDIS) on 02 September 2025. During their visit, the delegation were given a brief overview by Embassy officials of the relations between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea.  In his remarks, CDA a.i. Mendoza acknowledged the important role of local government units in strengthening engagement with other countries. “Diplomacy begins where our people live, in our towns, cities and provinces. It begins with our local government officials who build the trust and confidence of citizens every single day. In several cases, domestic policy informs foreign policy,” he said. Third Secretary and Vice Consul Reisha Olavario presented an overview of PH-ROK relations covering key aspects of bilateral relations and shared ROK’s best practices in digital transformation that may be applied by local government units in the Philippines. Former Senator Tolentino, Mission Leader of DAP-ISC, reaffirmed the outstanding relations between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea. During his term as the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Senator Tolentino provided instrumental support for the bilateral free trade agreement and defense procurement projects between both nations. As the proponent of the DAP Adaptive Governance and Innovation for Local Executives (AGILE) Program, the former Senator encouraged the delegates to continue working for a better and connected Philippines. Professor Hai-young Yun, Assistant Dean of External Relations of KDIS expressed appreciation for the support extended by the Embassy to its programs, stressing the important role the latter plays in helping delegates gain a deeper understanding of the multi-faceted relations between the Philippines and the ROK. The Philippine Embassy in Seoul continues to emphasize the importance of sub-national diplomacy by supporting capacity-building and knowledge-exchange activities such as DAP-ISC.  By focusing on digital transformation and innovation in governance, the DAP-ISC program harnesses ROK leadership in technology for public service delivery and helps local government units translate these lessons into context with strategies that will empower communities and make cities more efficient, responsive and future-ready. END

Read More
September 08, 2025
PHILIPPINES ADVANCES REGIONAL COOPERATION AT APEC ENERGY MINISTERIAL IN BUSAN

Busan, Korea – The Philippine Embassy in Seoul joined the Department of Energy delegation led by Undersecretary Rowena Cristina L. Guevara at the 15th APEC Energy Ministerial Meeting (EMM15) from 27-28 August 2025, where she reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to work with APEC partners in advancing clean energy, modernizing infrastructure, and building resilient systems for a sustainable and inclusive Asia-Pacific future. 

Read More
September 05, 2025
PHILIPPINE EMBASSY HOLDS 2025 PALARONG PINOY AND FAMILY DAY IN JEJU, SOUTH KOREA

31 August 2025, Jeju, South Korea — The Philippine Embassy in Seoul successfully held the 2025 Palarong Pinoy and Multicultural Family Day on 31 August 2025 at the Shimin Bokji Citizens Welfare Town Plaza in Jeju-si, South Korea. This vibrant event is part of the Embassy’s ongoing cultural diplomacy and community engagement efforts aimed at fostering unity and cultural pride among overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), Filipino marriage migrants, and multicultural families in South Korea.

Read More