By Victoria “NIKE” De Dios
Cognizant of the ironclad friendship between the Philippines and South Korea, the Senate of the Philippines filed a resolution 946 recognizing the cooperation between the Philippines and South Korea for 75 years.
Filed by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian and supported by all senators, he noted the valuable relationship and contribution of Korea to the Philippines and the mutual relationship of the two countries.
“The collaboration between our countries which started in defense has since extended to trade and investment, maritime affairs, and people-to-people exchange, among others,” Gatchalian said.
Gatchalian harped on the support of the Philippines to the inter-Korean peace process and reconciliation efforts, as well as South Korea‘s support for the Philippines in pursuit of defense capability modernization.
Korea has been exploring around 45,000 Filipino workers, contributes to the local job market, and has yielded export revenues totaling USD 1.1 billion as of August 2022.
South Korea stands as the Philippines’ top source market of foreign tourist arrivals saying that last year around 1.44 million Korean visitors came, representing about one out of every four foreign tourists entering the country.
The ‘blood bond’ between Korea and the Philippines can be traced back to the Philippine Forces’ participation in the Korean War who arrived in Busan Korea on September 19, 1950. The Philippines was the third country in the world that sent ground troops to Korea, following the United States and the United Kingdom, and 7,420 Filipino soldiers served in Korea for three years from September 19, 1950, when they arrived in Busan port to May 13, 1950.
Filipino soldiers operated including the United States 25th Infantry Division from October 1, 1950, and made great achievements in the Battle of Yultong in April 1951. Among them 112 made the ultimate sacrifice, 288 were wounded, 16 went missing in action, and 41 became prisoners of war showed the valor of Filipinos during the Korean War.
Meanwhile, South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-hwa welcomed the Senate Resolution as he witnessed the momentous occasion making the 75 years of diplomatic relations between Philippines and South Korea.