PR-088-09, 10 March 2009 – The Philippines and the Republic of Korea (ROK) commemorated six decades of enduring friendship through a photo exhibition today at the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The event is part of the 60th anniversary celebration of the establishment of diplomatic bilateral relations between the two countries.

Entitled “Lasting Friendship”, the 32-photo exhibit featured snapshots of the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK) from the battlefields of the Korean War, as well as highlights of the two countries’ friendship and cooperation over the years.

The event was opened by Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo, ROK Deputy Foreign Minister Lee Yong Joon, and ROK Ambassador to the Philippines Choi Joong Kyung. Also in attendance were Representative Roman Romulo, foreign ambassadors and other important personalities.

“The Philippines believes that its relations with the Republic of Korea are indeed at the threshold of a new beginning, where a deeper and more strategic partnership between our countries will create a more profound interaction between our peoples,” Secretary Romulo said in his remarks.

Incorporated into the event was the film trailer of the documentary, “Forgotten War,” which recounts the exploits of the PEFTOK troops and the final assault on Eerie Hills. The film was directed by Carlo Marco Cruz, and was produced with the assistance of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Philippine Embassy in Seoul.

On 17 May 2008, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo issued Proclamation No. 1495 declaring 3 March 2009 as Philippines-Republic of Korea Friendship Day and year 2009 as Friendship Year.

Several commemorative activities kicked off the Friendship Year this week. On 3 March, the Department of Tourism organized a ceremony for the launching of the anniversary theme, “Nurturing a Meaningful Friendship”, at the Coconut Palace. The event included a presentation by the Philippine Postal Corporation of the official commemorative stamps.

Moreover, the Department of National Defense and the ROK Embassy broke ground at the new PEFTOK Memorial Hall in Fort Bonifacio on 4 March. On 5 March, 15 T-41B trainer aircraft were turned over by the Korean Armed Forces to the Philippine Air Force as tokens of friendship during the auspicious year-long celebration. END