By Korea.net Honorary Reporter Myrtle Iris Villaraza from the Philippines

Korea and the Philippines this year mark 70 years of diplomatic ties that they established in 1949. This friendship especially deepened in the 1950s, when the Philippines dispatched soldiers to help South Korea during the Korean War. Through the years, both countries have honored and nurtured their ties through mutual support, with Korea providing a series of generous assistance measures last year.

In February last year, Seoul donated USD 200,000 to the Philippine Red Cross to facilitate the charity organization's relief operations for families affected by the eruption of Mount Mayon in Albay of the Bicol region.

Moreover, Korea in May last year gave 130 patrol vehicles to the Philippine National Police to help combat crime. Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Han Dong-Man was quoted as saying by the Philippine Inquirer that these "donations are also a form of gratitude for the heroism of more than 7,000 Filipino soldiers during the Korean War in 1950," adding, "It's time for Korea to pay its debt."

The next month, the government-run Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) announced the completion of two three-story buildings worth USD 3.7 million after two years of construction and officially turned them over to Visayas State University in Tolosa, Leyte. When Typhoon Haiyan, known in the Philippines as Yolanda, ravaged the country in late 2013, the university campus in Tolosa suffered severe damage, leading KOICA to pledge assistance to rebuild. Being from a nation that highly values education, KOICA even furnished the donated buildings with facilities and equipment worth an additional USD 260,000.


Donations such as these symbolize how willing Korea is to help its old friend, the Philippines.

As a Filipino, I find it amazing and heartwarming that Korea, now an advanced economy, hasn't forgotten the Philippines and still seems to express appreciation despite many decades having passed. I am also glad that Manila actively supports Seoul through economic partnerships and that Filipinos are among the biggest fans of Hallyu.

I'm just an ordinary citizen but I firmly believe that the Philippines will always be there for Korea. I can also feel that both countries will continue to work together for mutual benefit. As Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said after his bilateral summit with President Moon Jae-in June last year, "Our relations will only grow stronger in the years to come," as quoted by the Philippine Star. "President Moon and I committed to significantly strengthening our partnership, especially in the areas of defense and security, trade and investments, infrastructure development and protection of our nationals," he added.

On behalf of the Philippine people, I express my heartfelt thanks to Korea and its people. Let us stay close friends and continue supporting each other for a long time.

wisdom117@korea.kr

* This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.