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Philippine-ROK Origins Management System Project for the FTA Launched

05 April 2024, Seoul. The Philippines and Korea embarked this month on a ground breaking project for an "Origins Management System for the Promotion of FTAs in the Philippines". The Record of Discussions for the implementation of the project was signed in the Philippines in November 2023 between the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the ROK Government through the Korea Institute for the Advancement of Technology (KIAT) and the Korea Trade Network (KTNET), the designated trade automation business service provider, partnering with DTI-Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB).

The initial phase of the program was launched this week in Pangyo Smart City, Korea with the Invitational Training Implementation Plan. The week-long program provided the Philippines and ROK sides with an opportunity to exchange views and align targets for the project implementation. Philippine delegates from DTI-EMB, DTI-BITR, Board of Investments, Bureau of Customs, Export Development Council, and Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. likewise undertook site visits and meetings with KIAT, KTNET, the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), the ROK National Paperless Trade Infrastructure Operation, and ROK FTA Support Center. There were likewise sessions on the Korea Customs Service and Issuance of Certificate of Origin, FTA-based exports by exporting companies, and introduction to ROK's FTA platform and usage activation.

Philippine Ambassador Theresa Dizon-de Vega stated that the "mainstreaming of digital platforms will contribute to enhancing FTA availment among Filipino exporters" and reiterated support for the project. For his part, KTNET CEO and President Cha Young-Hwan shared that ROK is eager to partner with the Philippines and share its best practices on leveraging the available technology for more seamless export transactions. Likewise present was the launch were Philippine Commercial Counsellor Jose Ma. Dinsay and DTI-EMB Director Bianca Sykimte.

The Philippines-Korea FTA was signed in September 2023 ahead of the commemoration of 75 years of Philippines-Korea relations in 2024. END

Other News

November 17, 2025
PH AMBASSADOR CALLS ON JAPANESE AMBASSADOR IN SEOUL

Seoul, 4 November 2025 — Philippine Ambassador-designate to the Republic of Korea Bernadette Therese Fernandez paid a courtesy call on H.E. Koichi Mizushima, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Korea. The two Ambassadors exchanged views on recent APEC engagements in the ROK and efforts to strengthen multilateral cooperation among like-minded partners in support of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. Ambassador Mizushima also recalled his fond memories of his earlier posting in Manila as a young diplomat. The meeting underscored the warm relations between the Philippines and Japan, and our shared commitment to advancing regional peace, stability, and prosperity. END

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November 13, 2025
PRESIDENT MARCOS HONORS FILIPINO KOREAN WAR VETERANS AT THE UNITED NATIONS MEMORIAL CEMETERY IN KOREA

Busan, Republic of Korea - H.E. Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., President of the Republic of the Philippines, paid tribute to the valor and sacrifice of Filipino soldiers who served in the Korean War (1950–1953) during a solemn visit to the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Korea (UNMCK) in Busan on 2 November 2025. President Marcos, accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, was received by Ambassador SUH Jeong-in, Custodian of the UNMCK. Also in attendance were Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, Secretary of the Presidential Communications Office Dave O. Gomez, and Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez. Representing the Government of the Republic of Korea was Minister Kwon Oh-eul of the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs (MPVA). At the Philippine marker within the cemetery grounds, President Marcos laid a wreath and offered prayers in honor of the 7,420 Filipino soldiers who served under the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK). The President paid special tribute to the 116 Filipino servicemen who gave their lives in the line of duty, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with their Korean and United Nations comrades in defense of peace, freedom, and democracy. The President also visited the Wall of Remembrance, where he read the names of the fallen Filipino PEFTOK heroes, some of whom hailed from his own hometown, before bowing his head in silent reflection. In the UNMCK guest book, President Marcos wrote:“We honour the Filipino soldiers of PEFTOK who valiantly fought and died shoulder-to-shoulder with their Korean comrades for freedom and democracy. Let us honour their legacy with lives that hold these principles still true. Mabuhay!” Following the ceremony, President Marcos and the First Lady participated in a ceremonial tree-planting at the Garden of the Heads of State, symbolizing the enduring friendship between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea and the lasting peace and solidarity forged through shared sacrifice. The visit reaffirmed the Philippines’ enduring commitment to peace, democracy, and international solidarity. It also underscored the shared history and steadfast friendship between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea, forged in the crucible of war and strengthened by a common dedication to peace and prosperity. The Philippines was among the first countries to send troops to the Korean Peninsula in 1950, deploying five battalion combat teams under PEFTOK as part of the United Nations Command. The courage and sacrifice of the 7,420 Filipino soldiers remain a proud testament to the Philippines’ unwavering contribution to global peace and security. The United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Korea is the only UN-designated memorial cemetery in the world and serves as the final resting place for over 2,300 soldiers from 14 nations who fought under the UN Command during the Korean War. The Philippines’ participation and continuing remembrance reflect the depth of the two nations’ historical ties and their mutual commitment to the values of democracy and peace. END

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November 11, 2025
PH AMBASSADOR RECEIVES ROK CANDIDATE TO THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE, JUDGE JIN HYUN PAIK

SEOUL, 6 November 2025 — Ambassador-designate Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez received Judge Jin Hyun Paik, the Republic of Korea’s candidate to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for the 2027–2036 term, during a courtesy call at the Philippine Embassy in Seoul.

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