28 April 2025, Seoul. Philippine Ambassador Theresa Dizon-de Vega delivered remarks at the Opening Ceremony of the International Horticulture Expo held in Goyang Special City on 25 April 2025. The Expo is the largest horticulture-themed expo in the Northeast Asia and is a major attraction for global companies, planters, and gardening enthusiasts. 

The opening ceremony was participated in by Mayor Lee Dong Whan of the Special City of Goyang, Members of the Goyang City Council, Members of the Gyeonggi-do Provincial Council, and Ambassadors and representatives from over 40 Embassies.

Ambassador Dizon-de Vega shared that the Horticultural Expo goes beyond “horticulture’s aesthetic and agricultural aspects but likewise serves as a vital bridge connecting cultures, nurturing biodiversity, and enhancing the quality of life by promoting green living practices.”

She added that, “the Philippines continues to contribute to the global dialogue on green practices and sustainable living as well as enhancing the bio-industry such as through the use of coconut by-products for the horticulture industry.” 

The Philippines has taken part at the Horticulture Expo highlighting coconut by-products such as coconut coir which can be used for flowerbeds and nature trails, coconut husk chips that can be used as an effective planting medium to help plants retain moisture, and coconut shell charcoal used for various industrial and gardening processes, among others. END