Seoul, 7 January 2026 — Officials of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) Executive Vice President Kwon Sik Woo and Senior Sales Manager Kang Donghan called on Ambassador Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez on 7 January 2026 to reaffirm the strong and growing defense cooperation between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea, following the successful conclusion of the contract on 26 December 2025 for the construction of two additional frigates for the Philippine Navy.

During the meeting, HD HHI expressed its appreciation for the Philippine Embassy’s support throughout the contracting process and underscored that the agreement reflects the high level of mutual trust and close cooperation between the two countries. Discussions also touched on prospective areas of collaboration, including shipbuilding and maintenance, workforce development, training, and the strengthening of local supply chains in the Philippines.

Ambassador Fernandez emphasized that beyond platform acquisition, opportunities exist to advance workforce development, supply-chain localization, and ODA-supported industrial cooperation, noting that these elements are essential to building a resilient and sustainable Philippine defense and maritime industry.

Ambassador Fernandez was joined by Deputy Head of Mission and Consul General Edwin Gil Mendoza, Third Secretary and Vice Consul Reisha Olavario, Defense Attaché Col. Don Templonuevo, and Commercial Attaché Charmaigne Mignon S. Yalong.

Both sides underscored the importance of sustained government and industry engagement in advancing naval defense cooperation and contributing to the long-term development of the Philippine maritime and shipbuilding sector. The Philippine Embassy likewise reiterated its commitment to supporting initiatives that deepen the PH–ROK strategic partnership and promote mutually beneficial defense and industrial cooperation. END