ULSAN, 18 JUNE 2024. Philippine Secretary of National Defense (SND) Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. attended the launching ceremony of BRP Miguel Malvar at the HD Hyundai Heavy Industries shipyard (HHI) in Ulsan, South Korea on 18 June 2024. Special Envoy for UNICEF Monica Prieto-Teodoro served as the ship's godmother. BRP Miguel Malvar is Hyundai Heavy Industries' first corvette for the Philippine Navy and a symbol of increasing PH-ROK cooperation in defense modernization.

BRP Miguel Malvar is a state-of-the-art surface combatant measuring 118.4 meters in length and 14.9 meters in breadth, with a cruising speed of 15 knots (about 28 km/h) and a range of 4,500 nautical miles (8,330 km). It is equipped with advanced weapon systems such as anti-ship missiles, vertical launch systems, and 3D AESA radar. It is named in honor of the Philippine independence activist and revolutionary General Miguel Malvar. The BRP Miguel Malvar will undergo sea trials and outfitting before being delivered to the Philippine Navy by 2025.

At the Launching Ceremony, SND Teodoro looked forward to continued PH-ROK cooperation in defense modernization, stating that the partnership is a natural progression after standing shoulder-to-shoulder in the 1950s Korean War followed by 75 years of advanced cooperation across a multitude of fields.

"We made a special effort to attend the launching of BRP Miguel Malvar to show our commitment to work with the government of the Republic of Korea towards ensuring a principled peace in the Indo-Pacific area," the Secretary said.

As a defense modernization partner, the Secretary affirmed the good relationship between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea by saying, "I am happy to note that companies in the Republic of Korea have proven their quality, their reliability, and good faith in negotiations. Governance standards are kept high. Therefore, we look forward to working with you on a sustainable and sustained basis."

HHI CEO Mr. Sang-Kyun Lee conveyed that HHI is returning, with gratitude the sacrifice made by the 7,420 Filipino soldiers who fought in the 1950s Korean War and that the company will strive to participate in the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Horizon 3 Modernization Program to contribute to the advancement of the Philippine's Navy's Defense Capabilities.

At the luncheon that followed the launching ceremony, Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Theresa Dizon-De Vega said that it is an auspicious occasion to be launching a critical naval asset during the 75th anniversary of Philippines-Republic of Korea relations. She assured that both countries will continue to work together based on shared principles such as respect for human rights, democracy, and the rules-based order and looked forward to strengthening the Philippines' partnership with the ROK in defense.

During his short visit to the Republic of Korea, SND Teodoro was able to meet high-level officials from the Ministry of National Defense (MND) Director General for International Policy Lee Seung-Beon, the Korean Coast Guard (KCG) Vice Admiral Kang Dongwi, and the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) Vice Minister Kang Hwan-seung. In a side meeting with high-level officials, Secretary Teodoro affirmed the historic and enduring partnership between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea based on the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law and conveyed that, "Our participation in the fight for freedom during the Korean War would be wasted if we do not continue the fight for a rules-based international order. What we are doing (partnership in defense modernization) is a continuation of the cooperation of our forefathers."

He likewise expressed appreciation for the Republic of Korea's public statements expressing serious concern for aggressive actions in the South China Sea that go against a rules-based maritime order and endanger Philippine vessels and crew members. SND Teodoro encouraged the PH-ROK partnership to move forward through capacity-building and specific confidence-building measures, including practical cooperation with the Republic of Korea especially on the maritime front.

The Republic of Korea is a major defense modernization partner to the Philippines. HHI is actively supporting the Philippine Navy's efforts to modernize and reinforce Philippine naval forces through contracts to build new ships and maintain their interoperability during the ship lifecycle under the AFP Modernization Program (Horizon II). A total of ten (10) new vessels, ranging from Frigates, Corvettes, and Off-shore Patrol Vessels from HHI will augment the Philippine fleet.

The BRP Miguel Malvar Launching Ceremony was also attended by Undersecretary for Civil, Veteran, and Reserve Affairs, Mr. Pablo M. Lorenzo, Undersecretary for Acquisition and Resource Management, Mr. Salvador Melchor B. Mison, Jr., Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), LTGEN Romeo S. Brawner, and Flag Officer-In-Command of the Philippine Navy, VADM Toribio D. Adaci Jr. and other distinguished guests.

The Philippine Embassy in Seoul also honors the efforts of Overseas Filipino Workers in South Korea working at HHI's Ulsan shipyard who have contributed immensely to the construction of BRP Miguel Malvar. END