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THE PHILIPPINES KICKS-OFF THE FIRST UNITED NATIONS COMMAND-AMBASSADOR ROUNDTABLE OF 2025


Philippine Ambassador Theresa Dizon-de Vega joins new UNC Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson (center-left) at the head table with UNC Deputy Commander Lt. Gen Derek Macaulay (center-right), and US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Ms. Joy Sakurai (far-left).

22 January 2025, Seoul. The Philippines was the host of the first United Nations Command-Ambassadors’ Roundtable (UNC-ART) this year, which was also the first Official Engagement of the new UNC Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson since he took Office on 20 December 2024.

At the meeting, Gen. Brunson affirmed his commitment as the UNC Commander for peace and security on the Korean Peninsula through upholding the Armistice Agreement. He also shared his vision to carry the legacy of UNC in the new year, marking the 75th anniversary of UNC’s presence on the Peninsula. He emphasized his resolve for establishing robust and transparent communication channels among UNC member states to ensure timely information sharing and coordinated response. The General likewise noted that UNC and its member states’ collective resolve, cooperation, and commitment to the Armistice Agreement are more crucial than ever in the face of evolving challenges and uncertainties.

Member states ambassadors and representatives welcomed Gen. Brunson and ensured continued support and coordination with the UNC.

Philippines Ambassador Dizon-De Vega was honored to host the first Ambassadors Roundtable of the year. She emphasized that UNC member states have a long-standing commitment to maintaining peace and security on the Korean Peninsula with a shared vision and are stronger when working together.

The United Nations Command- Ambassadors’ Roundtable is a venue for leaders of UNC and UNCMS embassies to discuss various security environment factors that are relevant to the UNC’s mission and seek future opportunities to collaborate with the Republic of Korea and UNC member states. END

Other News


December 03, 2025
PH EMBASSY IN KOREA SUPPORTS 14TH PH-ROK COAST GUARD BILATERAL MEETING, STRENGTHENING MARITIME COOPERATION

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. 

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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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