EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC
OF THE PHILIPPINES


SEOUL REPUBLIC OF KOREA

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PH EMBASSY IN KOREA SUPPORTS 14TH PH-ROK COAST GUARD BILATERAL MEETING, STRENGTHENING MARITIME COOPERATION


The Philippine Embassy in Seoul participated in the 14th Bilateral Meeting between the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Korea Coast Guard (KCG) held in Incheon on 26 November 2025. Philippine Ambassador-designate to the ROK Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez was represented by Third Secretary and Vice Consul Reisha Olavario, who joined the Philippine delegation led by Commodore Algier D. Ricafrente, Deputy Chief of Coast Guard Staff for International Affairs (CG-5), together with LTJG Pauline Duldulao of the PCG.

Incheon, Republic of Korea – The Philippine Embassy in Seoul participated in the 14th Bilateral Meeting between the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Korea Coast Guard (KCG) held in Incheon on 26 November 2025. 

Philippine Ambassador-designate to the ROK Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez was represented by Third Secretary and Vice Consul Reisha Olavario, who joined the Philippine delegation led by Commodore Algier D. Ricafrente, Deputy Chief of Coast Guard Staff for International Affairs (CG-5), together with LTJG Pauline Duldulao of the PCG. Superintendent General Park Jae Hwa served as the Head of Delegation for the Korean Coast Guard. 

The meeting reaffirmed the long-standing partnership between the PCG and KCG, with discussions focusing on maritime domain awareness, marine environmental protection, capacity-building initiatives, vessel transfer cooperation, and the development of a more structured framework for information sharing. The convening of this bilateral mechanism comes immediately after the successful 4th PH-ROK Maritime Cooperation Dialogue held on 21 November 2025, underscoring the value both countries place on sustained coordination between their maritime and law-enforcement agencies.

Ahead of the bilateral meeting, the Philippine delegation paid a courtesy call on Commissioner General Kim Yong-jin, head of the Korea Coast Guard. The meeting emphasized the Republic of Korea’s support for a rules-based international order, the shared commitment of both coast guards to ensuring maritime safety and stability, and ongoing cooperation to combat transnational crime. Commissioner General Kim also expressed his appreciation for the Philippines’ efforts to ensure the safety and welfare of Korean nationals in the country. The Philippine Embassy reaffirmed the Philippines’ readiness to deepen maritime cooperation with the Republic of Korea. END

Other News


December 02, 2025
PH AMBASSADOR DELIVERS CONCLUDING LECTURE ON DYNAMISM OF PH-ROK STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP AT BUSAN UNIVERSITY OF FOREIGN STUDIES

Busan, Republic of Korea – Ambassador-designate Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez delivered the concluding lecture of a series on Philippines–Republic of Korea (ROK) relations at the Busan University of Foreign Studies (BUFS) on 19 November 2025. The event brought together students of the Philippine Studies and International Studies programs, Filipino professors based in southern Seoul, and members of the Filipino community in Busan and surrounding areas.

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December 01, 2025
LAUNCH OF BRP RAJAH LAKANDULA HIGHLIGHTS STRONG PH-ROK DEFENSE PARTNERSHIP

Ulsan, Republic of Korea – The Philippine Embassy in Seoul, led by Ambassador-designate Bernadette Therese Fernandez, joined the official launching of the BRP Rajah Lakandula on 20 November 2025 at the HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) shipyard in Ulsan, highlighting the expanding strategic and economic significance of the Philippine–Republic of Korea defense partnership, particularly in the area of defense industrial cooperation.  Representing the Philippines in the ceremony were Navy Vice Commander MGen Edwin E. Amadar, AFP Vice Chief of Staff LtGen Jimmy D. Larida, and Defense Procurement Service Chief Atty. Effie R. Agsaoay. The Ambassador-designate was also accompanied by officers of the Embassy, First Secretary and Consul Flaureen Dacanay, Third Secretary and Vice Consul Reisha Olavario, and Philippine Defense Attaché to the ROK Col. Don Templonuevo. HD HHI was led by President/COO of Naval & Medium Size Ship Building Business Unit Joo Wonho. In his remarks, Vice Commander Amadar emphasized that the vessel’s launch demonstrates the Philippine Navy’s commitment to a modern, credible, and self-reliant force capable of safeguarding national and regional stability. He also highlighted that the OPV program reflects the growing trust and cooperation between the Philippines and the ROK, built on shared values and a vision for long-term peace and security. Designed for long-range and sustained operations, the BRP Rajah Lakandula will support anti-smuggling, anti-piracy, disaster relief, and extended patrols across the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone, significantly expanding Philippine maritime security coverage. Ambassador-designate Fernandez, in a ceremonial toast, reaffirmed that defense cooperation with the Republic of Korea is now an essential pillar of bilateral relations. She emphasized that naval modernization not only strengthens the Philippines’ security posture but also stimulates economic activity, facilitates technology partnerships, and supports Filipino workers in the ROK’s shipbuilding sector. In her discussions with HHI leadership, the Ambassador-designate commended the early delivery of Philippine vessels and underscored the importance of worker welfare and sustained defense industrial cooperation. The BRP Rajah Lakandula launch is a tangible example of how strategic defense partnerships can deliver both security capabilities and long-term economic value. The Philippine Embassy will continue to advance these priorities as part of its broader mandate to strengthen PH–ROK strategic partnership in the years ahead. END

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November 29, 2025
EMPOWERMENT IN THE DIGITAL ERA: EMBASSY CHAMPIONS PROTECTION AGAINST TECH-BASED GENDER VIOLENCE

23 November 2025, Seoul - The Philippine Embassy in Seoul, through its Gender and Development (GAD) Unit, successfully conducted a Digital Safety and Awareness Forum aimed at equipping the Filipino community in the Republic of Korea with the knowledge and tools to prevent and respond to Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV). Held on 23 November 2025, the event addressed a broad spectrum of digital risks, while promoting responsible digital citizenship and awareness of online rights. The forum forms part of the global observance of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (25 November–12 December), highlighting digital safety as an essential pillar of anti-VAWC initiatives.

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