KOREA BULLETIN The official publication of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea
FROM
THE
JANUARY 2017
AMBASSADOR‘S
DESK
KIM Jae-shin, Ambassador Plenipotentiary and Extraordinary
First and foremost, I would like to greet you all a hopeful, peaceful, and prosperous 2017! As you know, 2017 is the Year of the Rooster. The chicken tells us every day that the dawn has come. So, with the New Year comes a new beginning. I like the phrase “new beginning” because it gives us new hope and expectations. I am optimistic that relations between Korea and the Philippines will further deepen and improve this year. President Duterte’s initiative for peace and development in Mindanao will surely attract more foreign investment and create new business opportunities. Furthermore, Mindanao is now developing as the economic hub of southern Philippines and a gateway to connect the rest of the Philippines and its ASEAN neighbors. With this in mind, Korea opened a new Honorary Consulate in Davao City last November 24. I believe that newlyappointed Honorary Consul Edgar Ang will be able to play
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his vital role in enhancing the economic and cultural partnership of Korea and the Philippines. Another new thing for 2017 – a couple of things, to be precise – is connected with mutual security, an aspect of bilateral cooperation that is very important to Korea. Two Korean-made FA-50 fighter jets arrived last December as part of an order for 12 planes. In 2015, the first batch of FA-50s was delivered; the remaining eight are expected to arrive this year. Last October, South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) was awarded a US$337 million contract by the Philippine government to build two new frigates for its navy by 2020. These aircrafts and vessels will upgrade the capability of the Philippine Air Force and Navy to protect the Filipino people as well as the territorial integrity of the country. These demonstrated the defense cooperation between Korea and the Philippine government, led by the Department of
National Defense. It is a kind of teamwork built on friendship that began during the Korean War, when Filipino soldiers fought shoulder to shoulder with Koreans in repelling the invaders from the North. Since then, our relations have expanded to other areas of cooperation. As far as law enforcement is concerned, the Korean Embassy has been holding consultative meetings with the local law enforcement agencies to discuss relevant issues. The Philippines has a large Korean community, the second largest in the region, and Koreans are the top visitors in the country, with 1.3 million tourists last year. Because of these factors, security and safety remain to be major concerns. And so, last November 23, we hosted the 19th Quarterly Joint Consultative Meeting. Represented at the meeting were the DOJ, DILG, NAPOLCOM, PNP, BI, NBI, NPS, and PDEA. As part of the Korean government’s support for President Duterte’s fight
Korea to assist PH in evehicles development
ROK, PH further defense cooperation in talks KCC opens 2017 classes
DA, KOICA inaugurate $4-million seed processing facility Korea opens honorary consulate in Davao City
New fighter jets from Korea arrive in PH
against crime, we will provide further assistance to the PNP in the sum of US$6.6 million. 2017 is special for the Philippines, which will chair the ASEAN in its golden anniversary year. After attending the launching ceremony last January 15 in Davao City, I felt assured that the Philippines’ chairmanship of the ASEAN will be successful, true to this year’s theme, “Partnering for change, engaging the world.” I am convinced that this will also further strengthen the relationship that Korea has been cultivating with the ASEAN, not only as one of its dialogue partners but also as a true friend of the chair country. I hope 2017 will bring not only prosperity to our countries but also a deeper and more meaningful connection between our peoples and governments. Masaganang Bagong Taon sa ating lahat!
PH, Hyundai Heavy Industries sign US$337 million frigate deal
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K-Ribbon Selection at Shangri-La 52nd TOPIK application opens 1
Korea opens honorary consulate in Davao City
In view of Davao’s huge potential for further growth and increasing exchange between Davao City and Korea in various fields, the Korean Government decided to open an Honorary Consulate in Davao. At the opening ceremony held in Davao City last 24 November 2016, Korean Ambassador KIM Jae-shin presented to Edgard Ang the letter of commission from the Korean Government, appointing him as
the Honorary Consul in Davao. Jerril Santos, Department of Foreign Affairs’ (DFA) Chief of Protocol presented then an Exequatur on behalf of the Philippine Government. Born on September 11 1952, Ang is a native Davaoeño entrepreneur who runs a variety of businesses, including automotive dealerships and fertilizer trading. In his speech, Ambassador KIM asked the newly appoint-
Korea to assist PH in e-vehicles development
Korean government has expressed interest to assist the Philippines in developing electric vehicles and granting more market access for Philippines’ agriculture products. Philippine Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez confirmed this from Korean Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy JOO Hyunghwan during their bilateral meeting at Investment Conference organized by the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Korea and in cooperation with the ASEAN Korean Center. “We discussed assistance for the Philippines in manufacturing development including electric vehicle development,” Philippine Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez said.
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“They are considering expanding operations in the Philippines, beyond banking given strong growth of the Philippine economy and consumer sector,” added Lopez. On agriculture, Lopez said he discussed with Korean Minister of JOO Hyunghwan during their bilateral meeting the better cooperation in market access for Philippine agriculture products such as duck meat, fruits such as mangoes and bananas, and vegetables like okra. Both trade secretaries also discussed various trade negotiations like ASEAN, Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and the changed prospects of the Trans Pacific Partnership.
ed Consul Ang for his dedication to bilateral cooperation between Korea and the Philippines, acting as a link between the two countries. In turn, Ang swore that he would perform his duties in good faith and with sincerity for the best interests of Korea and do his utmost to promote the Korea-Philippines relations. Executive Director Janet Lopoz of Mindanao Development Authority then delivered a congratulatory remark on the opening of the Honorary Consulate.
Earlier, Ambassador KIM together with Consul Ang, paid a courtesy call to Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte and exchanged views on how to expand and deepen Korea’s cooperation with Davao City as well as the Philippines. The Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Korea in Davao is located at the 2nd floor, floor, Unit 2, Damosa IT Park, Km. 17 Lanang, Davao City (Tel. no.: 082 235 2125; Fax no.: 082 282 3808).
Ambassador KIM presents the letter of commission from the Korean Government to Honorary Consul in Davao Edgard Ang
DA, KOICA inaugurate $4-million seed processing facility Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Korean Embassy, Korea Project on International Agriculture (KOPIA), and Department of Agriculture led the inauguration of a modern rice seeding facility at the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), Science City of Muñoz last December 6 2016. The $4-million seed processing facility, funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) thru the “Enhancing the Capacity of Production and Distribution of High Quality Rice Seeds” program, is said to be the first state-of-the-art rice seed processing facility in the country. “It is the first of its kind in the Philippines and expected to drastically reduce the Institute’s seed processing time by at least half,” said Engr. Evangeline Sibayan, head of the rice engineering and mechanization di-
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vision. The facility has two units of 6 tons per batch recirculating dryer; two units of 4 tons capacity per batch reversible airflow flatbed dryers; two units of 2t/ hr air-screen machine; one unit of 2t/hr gravity separator; an automatic bagger and closer; and a 50 cubic meter cold storage room. The project has also distributed 32 tons of certified inbred seeds to more than 400 farmers in Pangasinan and Nueva Ecija. It has been training project implementers, seed analysts, inspectors, seed growers, and farmers since 2013. Minister KWON Won Jik from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines hopes that the facility will increase the efficiency of processing and certification of rice seeds in the country and help more farmers have an access to high-quality seeds. (www.philrice.gov.ph/)
New fighter jets from Korea arrive in PH
PH, Hyundai Heavy Industries sign US$337 million frigate deal
Two new FA-50PH Light Combat Fighter Aircraft acquired from Korea Aerospace Industries arrived at Clark Air Base, Pampanga on Dec. 1, 2016. (Photo from DND)
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (left), Ambassador KIM Jae-Shin and HHI Executive Vice President Kisun Chung during the contract signing of the acquisition of new frigates for the Philippine Navy. (Photo from Philippine Navy)
Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd. (KAI) delivered the two FA-50PH fighter jets to the Philippines at the Haribon Hangar, Air Force City, Clark Air Base, Mabalacat City, Pampanga last December 1 2016. The two fighter jets are expected to boost the air capability of the Philippine Air Force (PAF). The first batch of supersonic jets arrived in the country on November 28, 2015 while second batch were delivered last September 2016. This is part of the PAF’s 12 fighter jets purchase from Korea Aerospace Industries worth
P18.9 billion. The PAF said the FA-50 PH has a top speed of Mach 1.5 or one and a half times the speed of sound and is capable to be fitted with air-to-air missiles. The missiles include the AIM-9 “Sidewinder” air-to-air and heat-seeking missiles. Fallorina said the arrival of the two new aircrafts will boost the territorial defense of the country. “There are two aircrafts coming over on December 1, the third and fourth one. This will surely boost the territorial defense of the country,” said Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Edgar Fallorina.
Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) and the Philippines has signed a US$337 million deal for the building of two new warships. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana led the contract signing for the construction and delivery of the new frigates. Present at the signing ceremony were Ambassador KIM Jae-Shin and HHI Executive Vice President Kisun Chung. The notice of award was received by HHI last month with the total amount of $336,912,000 or equivalent to
P15,744,571,584. The frigates, each displacing 2,600 tons, will be propelled by a combined diesel and diesel system that will give it speeds of up to 25 knots, according to a news release on HHI’s website. Measuring 107 meters long the frigates will be armed with missiles, torpedoes, guns and electronic sensors that will allow it to conduct anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare -- according to HHI press release. The ships are scheduled to be delivered starting 2020.
PH, ROK Open to Further Defense Cooperation Korea and the Philippines both expressed readiness to broaden bilateral security cooperation as the two countries’ top defense officials met in Seoul last November 25. Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana met with ROK Defense Minister HAN Min-Koo at the Ministry of Defense in Seoul. Lorenzana proposed broadening the current defense and military engagements in the field of personnel training and education, and exploring possible joint exercises on disaster response and terrorism. The two ministers also discussed further possibilities to boost the Philippines’ armed forces modernization plan.
Minister HAN expressed appreciation to his counterpart for the Philippines’ support during the Korean War. The Philippine delegation also met with officials of Korean defense corporations, including a visit to the headquarters of Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd. (KAI) in Sacheon, Gyeongsang Province. A flight demonstration was held using the third and fourth FA-50PH combat aircraft set to be delivered to the Philippines. KAI Senior Executive Vice President KIM In-Sik toured the Philippine delegation on KAI Main Plant on the production schedule for the rest of the order’s delivery as well as plans for post-delivery support.
Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Korea Defense Minister HAN Min-Koo at the Ministry of National Defense office in Seoul, Korea last 25 November 2016. (Photo from DND)
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art & culture
KCC opens 2017 classes
classes on January 23. Online registration is scheduled on January 13. The 2017
first term of classes officialy started on January 21. For more information about
the classes kindly visit www.koreanculture.ph
Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Korean Embassy and Korean Cultural Center (KCC) held its “K-Ribbon Selection” Exhibit last November 2 at Shangri-La
Mall Plaza Grand Atrium. The products displayed at “K-Ribbon Selection” are brands recognized by the Korean government for its premium quality.
The K-Ribbon Selection is also the Korean government’s flagship project to showcase the excellent cultural products that carry the cultural value of Korea. Various Korean cultural products including cultural contents, (animation and comic characters), hanbok, Korean Fashion, Korean traditional handicrafts, and Korean cuisine were on display at the exhibit. Visitors got a chance to experience Virtual Reality (VR) presentations and computer-generated hanbok photo experience. Alongside with the K-Rib-
bon Selection, a ‘Royal Heritage Craft Exhibition’ was also held at the same venue. Various Korean traditional handicrafts such as tableware, wood products, porcelain tea and stationery sets were displayed at the area. Also, a ‘K-Food Open Kitchen’ was held from November 5 to 6. Several traditional Korean food products are on display in the area. Visitors tasted and enjoyed Korean food such as bulgogi, samgyetang and kimchi. The exhibit ran until November 8
The Korean Cultural Center opened the application for the 52nd Test of Proficiency on Korean (TOPIK) last January 9 and will run until January 31. The examination is on April 16 and release of the test results are on May 25. TOPIK, a Korean language test both for foreigners and overseas Koreans studying abroad, is generally used as a measure of proficiency in the said language by those whose
native language is not Korean. On the other hand, the EPSTOPIK (Employment Permit System), administered by the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA), is for the employment of the skilled workers in the manufacturing industry. The forms and guidelines may be downloaded from the KCC website (http://koreanculture.ph/).
The Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in the Philippines will be opening its first term of
K-Ribbon Selection at Shangri-La
52nd Test of Proficiency on Korean
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