“The Philippines-South Korea Partnership at 75.”
President Yoon Suk Yeol’s visit to the Philippines highlights the enduring and evolving relationship between the Philippines and Republic of Korea (ROK). Built on shared democratic values, commitment to freedom, and support for a rules-based international order, this partnership has lasted for over 75 years and is more important than ever in today’s tense and complex geopolitical landscape.
The “Unification Doctrine” that President Yoon announced at a ceremony marking the 79th anniversary of South Korea’s Liberation Day is apropos amidst the increasing incidents challenging the stability of the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.
President Yoon’s “Unification Doctrine” emphasizes peaceful reunification of the Korean Peninsula through freedom, human rights, and international cooperation, with a focus on economic and social integration, strengthening global alliances, and addressing North Korean security challenges. Reunification is seen as a path to greater prosperity and stability for Koreans, contributing to global peace.
The Philippines fully supports this doctrine, which aligns with our shared commitment to peace and the rule of law. As tensions rise in the West Philippine Sea and Indo-Pacific, Korea’s vision for a unified, stable peninsula grounded in human rights offers hope for peaceful conflict resolution. A unified Korea would enhance regional security and prosperity, strengthening the principles that both nations uphold.
Indeed, the values expressed by this doctrine predicate the significance of President’s Yoon’s state visit to the Philippines.
The bond between the two nations was forged during the Korean War in the 1950s when the Philippines sent troops to defend South Korea. This has since grown into a dynamic alliance encompassing economic cooperation, defense collaboration, and cultural exchange.
Economically, South Korea has been a steadfast partner, and its contributions to the Philippines’ infrastructure development cannot be overstated.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 3.16-kilometer Panguil Bay Bridge in Mindanao, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed his gratitude to South Korea for its significant role in the Philippines’ development citing numerous projects funded through the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) and the Korean EXIM Bank.
The Panguil Bay Bridge, now the longest water-spanning bridge in Mindanao, will reduce travel time between Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental from over two hours to just seven minutes, benefiting more than 10,000 travelers daily.
South Korean firms currently support 21 infrastructure projects across the Philippines with two more in the pipeline. Many of these projects are some of the largest in the country. The P8.03-billion Panguil Bay Bridge exemplifies advanced Korean engineering, incorporating reverse circulation drilling and permanent steel casing techniques, showcasing South Korea’s cutting-edge technology. President Marcos Jr. acknowledged the deep involvement of South Korea in making the country’s infrastructure more efficient and improving the quality of life for Filipinos.
A major milestone in this economic relationship is the recent ratification of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between South Korea and the Philippines. South Korea is already the Philippines’ fifth-largest trading partner, and the FTA promises to deepen economic ties by expanding opportunities in industrial development, innovation, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
Beyond economics, defense and security cooperation is equally critical. South Korea has been instrumental in modernizing the Armed Forces of the Philippines, providing FA-50 fighter jets and missile corvettes. These contributions have been crucial to strengthening the Philippines’ defense capabilities, especially amid rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
As the Philippines faces increasing aggression from China in the West Philippine Sea. South Korea’s support for the Philippines, particularly in upholding international law and calling for peaceful dispute resolution, solidifies the security partnership between the two countries. This shared commitment to peace and stability underscores the importance of continued collaboration in maintaining regional security.
Cultural ties between the two nations are another significant aspect of our relationship. South Korea remains the top source of foreign tourists to the Philippines, while Filipino tourists to South Korea are on the rise. The influence of Korean pop culture, from K-pop, K-dramas, K-beauty, and Samgyupsal has created a deep cultural connection, with South Korean brands, entertainment, and food becoming a familiar part of Filipino daily life.
Through continued collaboration and developing relationships, the Philippines and the Republic of Korea can ensure that these shared values endure, not only for our peoples but for the greater good of the region and the world. As President Yoon aptly said, “In a unified Korea, we will enjoy more freedom and a greater range of opportunities. Achieving this will bestow a blessing upon the whole of humanity.”
