The Philippine Embassy in Seoul launched the premiere showing of the 10-minute documentary entitled "History of the Filipino in Korea" during the recent visit of Vice President Jejomar C. Binay to the South Korean capital.

Around 120 Filipino community leaders, guests and members of the Philippine delegation to the Seoul Nuclear Security Summit witnessed the launching activity. The event preceded the Vice President's address to Filipino community leaders in South Korea.

Vice President Binay congratulated the Embassy for its initiative in producing the documentary. He said that the video is well made and should serve as an inspiration not only to Filipinos in South Korea but also to other OFWs living and working abroad who continuously contribute to the economic development of their host countries.

Vice President Binay, as the OFW Czar, oversees all government services being extended to Filipino workers abroad.

"Filipinos have been in Korea for decades. They have distinguished themselves as combatants during the Korean War in the early '50s. They continue to contribute today to South Korea's economic development as professionals, engineers, industrial workers, spouses and community development workers," Ambassador Cruz said.

Filipinos have played pivotal roles in the Korean Peninsula's compelling history. Filipino leaders held in high esteem by South Koreans included former President Fidel Valdez Ramos who, as a young lieutenant, successfully undertook the mission to retake Hill Eerie near the 38th parallel from Chinese forces during the Korean War; Gen. Carlos P. Romulo who, as the President of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly from 1949 to 1950, mobilized UN members to send combat troops and medical missions to South Korea; and former Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr., who, as a young journalist for the Manila Times, reported the exploits of the UN Command composed of foreign troops from 16 countries including the Philippines, which helped restore freedom and democracy in South Korea.

The Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK) numbered 7,420 personnel in five battalions. They stayed in Korea from 1950 to 1955. A total of 112 Filipino soldiers lost their lives during the Korean War.

The Philippines continued its assistance to South Korea after the war by participating in the rehabilitation of Seoul through infrastructure development and training of agriculturists at the International Rice Research Institute.


Today, there are around 50,000 Filipinos in South Korea who continue to contribute to South Korean economy.

The documentary was written and narrated by Consul ArnelTalisayon and directed by Carlo Marco Cruz. It can be viewed through this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=h_y8NbftKYA. END