KOREA BULLETIN The official publication of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea
FROM
THE
DECEMBER 2020
AMBASSADOR‘S
DESK
HAN Dong-man, Ambassador Plenipotentiary and Extraordinary
In March 2019, we celebrated the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Korea and the Philippines. In March of this year, President Rodrigo Duterte declared a state of calamity in the Philippines due to COVID-19 and imposed an enhanced community quarantine throughout Luzon. The Yuletide season is here, but a true end to the pandemic is still out of sight. Christmas 2020 will surely be different from past Christmases, as the Philippines, like many other countries around the world, tries to deal with all the loss and misery that COVID-19 has spawned, as well as the continued threat to lives and livelihood.
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Filipinos celebrate Christmas in true spectacle, beginning from the socalled -ber months. However, in a year where the country also witnessed the eruption of Taal Volcano, earthquakes, and devastating typhoons, rejoicing in what is supposed to be the most joyous of holidays may be easier said than done. It is comforting to know that Filipinos are some of the happiest and toughest people on the planet. Although malls are not as crowded as in the past, outdoor shopping places are teeming with shoppers. Those who opt to stay at home have joined the world of online shopping and have indirectly sustained many local busi-
Philippine Senate adopts resolution commending Ambassador HAN
with hope. Any news about an effective COVID-19 vaccine raises their spirit even if there is as yet no definite date when this will be available. Where others may feel despair, Filipinos dig deep into their faith and rely on divine intervention for a better tomorrow. They believe there is no challenge that cannot be overcome as long as God and their family are with them. The mental health of many people affected by the pandemic has been preserved by the love and stability afforded by family members. Friends who provide support are also a vital part of this coping process. Thanks to social media, people have stayed connected in the middle of lockdowns.
Ambassador HAN turns over $500K in-kind COVID-19 donations to bid farewell to DFA
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‘Korean National Day’ & ‘2020 PhilKor Festival’ venture online
nesses. After months of community quarantine, traffic congestion has returned in major thoroughfares and travel restrictions have been eased. Many homes, buildings, roads, and communities are alive with Christmas ornaments. Familiar carols are always playing on the radio and being sung on television. And everywhere you look, you can see people smiling behind their face masks despite the hardship and uncertainty they are experiencing. Surely, there must be some powerful forces at work that are imbuing Filipinos with the Christmas spirit even in this period of crisis. The people are filled
Ambassador HAN gives a lecture on 2020 Philippine Korean War Virtual Conference
KOREA BULLETIN
‘K-Healing’ Campaign honors 320 frontliners Korean culture and activities reach Filipinos through ‘Korea at Home’
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