The Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Korea joins the Filipino nation in mourning the passing of the 12th President of the Philippines Fidel Valdez Ramos on 31 July 2022. The former President was 94 years old.

Former President Ramos was a visionary leader in foreign policy and a beacon of democracy. He promoted principles of economic development and instituted the concept of "Complete Staff Work" (CSW) in government for global competitiveness. Among his many post-Presidential term pursuits, he was the Philippines' representative in the Eminent Person's Group (EPG) on the ASEAN Charter.

He had a special relationship with the Republic of Korea as he was a member of the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK) who fought valiantly alongside their South Korean counterparts during the Korean War from 1950-1953. PEFTOK consisted of five combat battalions under the UN Command. Of the 7,420 Filipino soldiers who saw action, 112 were killed and 299 were wounded in action. Former President Ramos was then a second lieutenant and a fresh graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1950 when he volunteered for combat duty at the outbreak of the Korean War. He was assigned as the reconnaissance platoon leader of the reconnaissance company of the 20th Battalion Combat Team (BCT) and led a forty-four man unit to victory in the Battle of Eerie Hill.

As a Korean War veteran, the former President undertook numerous trips to the Republic of Korea and represented the Philippines in official veterans ceremonies including the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement. He was proud to recount the sacrifices of Filipino soldiers to defend democracy and freedom in the Korean Peninsula and in his later years sought to further strengthen Philippine - ROK relations.

For his great service to the Republic of Korea, former President Ramos was awarded the Cheonsu Medal, Order of National Security Merit given to individuals for outstanding meritorious services in the interest of national security and the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, the highest order awarded by the government of South Korea for meritorious services in the interest of promoting the development and security.

The officers and staff of the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Korea convey profoundest condolences to the family of former President Fidel V. Ramos.