By Honorary Reporter Reinard De Guzman from Philippines

"Without the sacrifices and contribution of the [Korean War] veterans, Korea wouldn't enjoy democracy and economic prosperity today," said Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Han Dong-man on May 22.

The ambassador was speaking at a ceremony for Korea's donations of protective masks to such veterans at the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office's (PVAO) Covered Court in Quezon City.

In an article posted on the PVAO's official Facebook page and website, the Korean government donated over 50,000 KF94 masks to Philippine veterans of the war. This year marks the 70th anniversary of both bilateral ties and the war's outbreak.

Reynaldo B. Mapagu, undersecretary of national defense for civil, veterans and retiree affairs, PVAO Administrator Ernesto G. Carolina, and the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK) Veterans Association represented by Korean War veteran Bartolome Catolos and association board member Walter Young attended the event.

Days after the event, my grandfather and Korean War veteran Bonifacio E. Talde, a retired master sergeant, received their masks and a paper bag inscribed with the statement "Stay strong, fight COVID-19." The other side of the bag commemorated the 70th anniversary of the war's outbreak with the words "Remembrance. Solidarity. Peace."

My grandfather expressed his gratitude to Korea for its unending support for him, his fellow veterans and the Philippines, saying, "Truly, Korea is the Philippines' best friend and no one will dare disagree with that."

I thought of the strong bonds between the Philippines and Korea that began when the former responded to the United Nations' call to help South Korea after the war broke out in 1950. PEFTOK sent its 10th Battalion Combat Team as its first troop dispatch during the war.

On behalf of my grandfather, I express my deep gratitude to the Korean government for being with us, even during the pandemic. Korea is truly a wonderland and a true friend of my country.

chaey0726@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.