Philippine Ambassador to Korea Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez on Feb. 26 discusses at her office in Seoul’s Jung-gu District the significance of President Lee Jae Myung's state visit to her country from March 3-4.

By Yoon Sojung with contribution from Byun Seyoung
Photos & video = Park Daejin

Philippine Ambassador to Korea Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez says her country's friendship with Korea "has endured the test of time."

Assuming her post in September last year, the diplomat shared a surprising experience when she found herself the lone Philippine passenger on a flight to Cebu Island from Incheon last December.

She said Filipinos have a deep affection for Korea and vice versa, calling the bilateral friendship "heartwarming and encouraging."

On the March 3-4 state visit of President Lee Jae Myung to the Philippines, Ambassador Fernandez said, "His visit on March 3 is particularly meaningful as that day marks the 77th anniversary of diplomatic relations between both countries."

The following are excerpts of a Feb. 26 interview at her embassy in Seoul.

How would you evaluate bilateral relations that span over seven decades?

The Philippines and Korea have long-standing relations that started when the Philippines became the first Asian country to support Korea during the Korean War. We sent 7,420 soldiers to Korea to help build its democracy. We thank Korea because up to now, the awareness of the Korean public about the Philippines is there. Our friendship has endured the test of time. And we know also about the people-to-people exchanges between both nations.

An estimated 53,000 Koreans live in the Philippines and about 74,000 Filipinos in Korea. This has helped make relations vibrant and continues to strengthen such exchanges and allows more people to benefit from the friendship of both nations.

Korea has promoted infrastructure improvements to improve the lives of the Philippine people through official development assistance. Bilateral cooperation is developing in a multifaceted manner across various sectors.

President Lee will pay a state visit to the Philippines from March 3-4. What does Manila expect from his trip?

President Lee and first lady Kim Hea Kyung's state visit to the Philippines is very important to the Philippines. Their visit on March 3 is particularly meaningful as that day marks the 77th anniversary of bilateral relations.

We hope that this visit will strengthen the strategic partnership between Manila and Seoul, especially in maritime and defense cooperation, trade and investment, and people-to-people exchange.

What are the highlights of his schedule?

The first day will see President Lee visit the monument of our national hero Jose Rizal. President Lee and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will hold summit talks. He and first lady Kim will attend the state dinner hosted by President Marcos and first lady Louise Araneta Marcos.

On the second, he will visit the Korean War Memorial to honor Philippine soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the Korean War. President Lee will also attend a bilateral business forum to meet entrepreneurs from both countries.

In what sectors do the Philippines, this year's chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), expect from cooperation with Korea?

The Philippines began chairing ASEAN in 2026 and the theme of this year's chairmanship is "Navigating our future together." During our chairmanship, Seoul wishes for three important aspects in the comprehensive strategic partnership: Korea as a contributor to dreams and hope, springboard for growth and innovation, and partner for peace and stability.

Korea hopes to accomplish all this with the Philippines and ASEAN during this year's chairmanship. This is also part of Korea's free trade agreement and strategic cooperation with ASEAN.

I am sure that President Lee and President Marcos will discuss ASEAN cooperation and use opportunities for the relevant agencies and authorities of both countries to propel ASEAN-Korea cooperation to new heights. And the bilateral agreements to be signed include those in cooperation in trade and investment, veterans' affairs, agriculture and digital.

Korea has been mindful and taken special interest in the Philippines, especially in the promotion of artificial intelligence innovation, digitization and digitalization, and cybersecurity and protection of our nationals in ASEAN.

Where do you think the friendship between Koreans and Filipinos originated?

The Philippines was the first Asian country to support Seoul during the Korean War, and that is where our friendship is rooted. Many Koreans love to visit Cebu, Bohol and Boracay. Filipinos also love to visit tourist attractions in Korea such as N Seoul Tower or Nami Island.

Last December, I was on a flight from Incheon to Cebu and found myself the only Filipino on the plane along with the crew and pilots. This was a testament to the love Koreans have for the Philippines and Filipinos for Korea. It is very heartwarming and encouraging for both nations to have very good relations in a very friendly manner.

Philippine Ambassador to Korea Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez on Feb. 26 holds a book on Philippine soldiers who died in the Korean War at her office in Seoul’s Jung-gu District.