Korean envoy holds lecture at MMSU
By Wimbledon Bosque
His Excellency Lee Sang-Hwa, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines, made his first visit to northern Luzon on November 7, where he visited the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU). During this visit, he delivered a lecture on Korean-Philippine cultural relations at the Center for Flexible Learning (CFL).
Vice President for Planning and Strategic Foresight Mee Jay Domingo, representing University President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano Jr., welcomed the Ambassador and his spouse, Madam Lee Eun-Hwa, and Second Secretary Sungho Huh at the Ferdinand E. Marcos Hall. He was joined by Vice President for Research, Development, and Innovation Nathaniel Alibuyog and Vice President for Academic Affairs Aris Reynold Cajigal. They were also accompanied by Prof. Krismary Sharmaine Yapo, Chief of Alumni Relations; Dr. Mark Joseph Pastor, Chief of Foreign Student Services; Prof. Ryan Roi Domingo, Chief of Language Center, Dr. Jareason Fabre, Executive Assistant to the University President; and representatives from the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte.
As part of his visit, Ambassador Lee toured the National Bioenergy Research and Innovation Center (NBERIC), where they explored the Pandora air quality monitoring instrument. This advanced device, funded by the Korean government and jointly operated with the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), plays an important role in monitoring the country's air quality by collecting data from the Geostationary Environment Monitoring Spectrometer (GEMS).
Strengthening bilateral and multilateral relations, Ambassador Lee delivered a three-part presentation on the Korean–Philippine diplomatic relationship titled “Connecting Korea and Ilocos, Philippines: Cultural and Strategic Partnership.” The presentation was composed of three parts: “Why Ilocos Norte?”, “Enduring Partnership,” and “Journey Towards a Better Future.”
𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗜𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗼𝘀 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗲?
In his presentation, Ambassador Lee recalled the emergency landing of a flight from Incheon to Phu Quoc in Laoag that carried 206 Korean passengers, who were graciously received and assisted by the people of Ilocos Norte. The Ambassador lauded the province’s swift response during the incident and particularly extended his commendation to Governor Matthew Manotoc for his hospitality.
He then shared the deep-rooted ties between Korea and the Philippines, citing the 15th-century account of Sacthe, a Korean merchant shipwrecked in Ilocos who stayed for nine months and was the first recorded Korean to set foot in the country, particularly in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.
Ambassador Lee also commended MMSU’s initiatives in promoting Korean–Philippine relations through education. He noted that MMSU President and now CHED Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis’ five-year agreement with the Korean Chamber of Commerce Philippines, Inc. (KCCP) and other partner institutions in offering Korean language and culture classes at the university.
𝗘𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽
Ambassador Lee shared the longstanding partnership between the Philippines and Korea, tracing its roots to the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK), the first Asian contingent deployed under the United Nations Command during the Korean War (1950–1955). Comprising five Philippine Battalion Combat Teams, PEFTOK exemplified the Philippines’ early commitment to collective security and regional stability.
The bilateral relationship has since expanded to economic cooperation through security and defense collaboration; people-to-people exchanges, including the widespread popularity of K-culture such as K-dramas and K-pop; and, just last year, the signing and ratification of the Korea–Philippines Free Trade Agreement by both nations.
Last year, affirming their commitment to advance concrete cooperation across the full spectrum of their historic friendship, the two countries agreed to elevate their bilateral relations to a joint declaration on the strategic partnership, which aims to strengthen political ties between the two governments through high-level visits, ongoing dialogues, and exchanges across diverse areas of shared interests.
𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗮 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲
Looking ahead, Ambassador Lee shared the importance of strengthening partnerships among like-minded nations, describing Korea and the Philippines as “reliable partners for over seven decades.” He underscored the value of collaboration, noting, “If you want to go far, go together,” reaffirming the continued cooperation and mutual support between the two nations.
During the open forum, participants explored potential areas for research partnerships and expanded opportunities for multicultural exchange. Dr. Don Carlo Batara reflected, “The visit of the Korean Ambassador to MMSU is a meaningful step toward strengthening international partnerships.” Prof. Jerome Binarao added, “I learned about the long history of Korean–Philippine diplomatic relations, showing the passion of both countries for initiatives in cultural and national development.” Dr. Batara completed his PhD at Chonnam National University while Professor Binarao previously received a Korean government scholarship for his master’s degree at Pukyong National University.
Students from the BS Tourism Management and BA English Language programs also attended the event. Debbie Pasion, a third-year ABEL student, shared, “Meeting the Ambassador was a great experience. It made me understand the value of building connections with Korea and working together for stronger collaboration between our countries.”
Ambassador Lee’s lecture-forum became a lively cultural exchange, filled with humor, engaging discussions, and thoughtful gestures that made students appreciate Korea’s rich culture even more. His visit reflected the strengthening of diplomatic ties and the opening of more opportunities for collaboration, which he described as “a step toward a deeper people-to-people connection and shared prosperity.”
Nov, 12, 2025 10:34:am
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STRATCOM
