KOREA BULLETIN
The official publication of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea
On October 4, 2012, I presented my credentials to H.E. Benigno S. Aquino III, President of the Republic of the Philippines, as the new Ambassador of the Republic of Korea. For over six decades, the Philippines and Korea have developed a strong framework for cooperation, which is anchored in our shared values and experiences. Our partnership has deepened in the comprehensive areas of politics, trade and investment, development cooperation, cultural, and people-to-people exchanges. As such, it is indeed an honor and privilege to become part of the growing relations between our two countries. During the first official visit of Secretary Albert del Rosario of the Department of Foreign Affairs to Korea on August 30, 2012, he met with Minister Sung-hwan KIM of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Hwang-sik KIM. The visit provided a valuable opportunity to exchange views and discuss issues of mutual concern, thereby contributing to strengthened bilateral relations between our two countries. In the months to come, I look forward to more high-level exchanges between leaders of our two governments. In the aspect of our economic cooperation, the Korean government is committed to expanding the mutually beneficial trade and investment relations with the Philippines. Through the enhanced business environment in the country, and the keen interest of many Korean investors, I am sure we can sustain and even surpass the trade volume we achieved in the previous year. Furthermore, the Korean government remains steadfast in its collaboration with the Philippine government in providing development assistance. Last August, many Filipinos were severely affected by the flooding caused by the southwest monsoon rains. Responding to the difficult situation of our Filipino friends, the Korean government donated $200,000 worth of in-kind relief assistance, which I hope will be of help to them in rebuilding their homes and communities. In order to foster and maintain our enduring ties, we continue to hold our annual cultural celebrations and encourage greater exchanges between our two peoples. I believe the mutual understanding and close friendship between the Filipinos and Koreans are instrumental in promoting our existing bonds of amity and friendship. Building upon the fine legacy of our partnership, I will remain committed to enhancing our excellent relations. I count on the continued support of the Philippine government and the Korean community in carrying out this important mission. Thank you very much.
October 2012
New Korean Ambassador presents credentials to President Aquino III
Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Philippines Hyuk LEE presents his credentials to President Benigno Aquino III last October 4. Photo from the Malacañang Photo Bureau
The new ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Philippines, H.E. Hyuk LEE, officially presented his credentials to President Benigno Aquino III last October 4 at the Malacañang Palace. The Philippines is Ambassador LEE’s first official posting, having served principally in Japan as First and Second Secretary and as Minister in 1986, 1992 and 2009 respectively. Ambassador LEE also served in Poland as First Secretary and in China as Counsellor. Ambassador LEE was born in 1958. In 1980 he graduated from the Korea University with a bachelor’s degree in Economics and subsequently joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the same year. He was also among the members of the Presidential entourage of Korean heads of state who made visits in the Philippines, namely Dae-jung KIM in 1999, Moo-hyun ROH in 2005 and Myung-bak LEE in 2011.
CONTENTS New Korean Ambassador presents credentials to President Aquino III KOR, PHL foreign ministers meet Korea EXIM and PHL sign Jalaur loan agreement Korea extends assistance to PHL, donates relief items Impact of Hallyu on Filipino pysche discussed Varied genres entertain Filipinos on 2012 Korean Film Fest PHL, KOR sign loan agreement for Puerto Princesa airport dev’t
Korea to help DOTC develop Motor Vehicle Inspection System
KOICA, NWRB Signs Water Information System Agreement
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KOR, PHL foreign ministers meet Minister Sung-hwan KIM of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MOFAT) of the Republic of Korea met with his Philippine counterpart, Secretary Albert del Rosario, last August 30 to discuss ways on further enhancing the bilateral relations of the two countries. As discussed, the ties between Korea and the Philippines has benefited from recent high-level exchanges, such as the bilateral summit
meeting last October 2011. Further discussions included development cooperation, agriculture, green growth, the security of both Filipino and Korean nationals residing and visiting their respective countries in line with the recent surge of people-to-people exchanges and a stronger KoreaASEAN cooperation. Secretary del Rosario also met with Korean Prime Minister Hwang-sik KIM during his two-day visit to Korea.
Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Sung-hwan KIM (right) meets with Philippine Foreign Minister Albert del Rosario during the latter’s visit to Korea last August. Photo by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Korea extends assistance to PHL, donates relief items Ambassador Hyuk LEE officially turned over the US$200,000 worth of in-kind relief assistance to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in a simple ceremony last October 18. The assistance extended by the Korean government is intended for those affected by the monsoon rains that battered Manila last August. Former Ambassador Hye Min LEE had earlier written to DSWD Secretary Corazon
Soliman to inform her of the relief assistance.
It was the new Ambassador, Hyuk LEE, who facilitat-
ed the turnover. Ambassador LEE was still in Korea when the monsoon rains devastated Manila. “It is with profound sadness that I learned about the severe damages of the flooding caused by the southwest monsoon rains in the Philippines last August.” Ambassador LEE said. “Although it has been two months since the disaster, I still hope that the assistance can be of help to the victims affected by the flooding and facilitate in the rebuilding of their homes.”
Korea EXIM and PHL sign Jalaur loan agreement President Benigno Aquino III witnessed the signing of the loan agreement between the Export Import Bank of Korea (Korea Eximbank) and the Department of Finance last August 9 at the Malacañang Palace. The agreement was for the second phase of the Jalaur River Multipurpose Project. Signing for both offices were Vice-President Sang-wan BYUN of the Export Import Bank of Korea and Secretary of the Department of Finance Cesar Purisima. Also in attendance were former ambassador to the Philippines Hye Min LEE, Senator Franklin Drilon, Secretary Proceso Alcala of the Department of Agriculture and Chief Representative of the Korea Eximbank in Manila Mr. Taeik PARK.
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President Benigno Aquino III witnessed the signing of the loan agreement between the Korea Eximbank and the Department of Finance. Flanking him are (L-R) Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, Senator Franklin Drilon, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Export Import Bank of Korea Vice-President Sang-wan Byun, former Ambassador to the Philippines Hye Min LEE and Chief Representative of the Korea Eximbank Manila Office Mr. Tae-Ik Park. Photo from the Presidential Communications Operations Office
Once the loan becomes effective, the Korean state-run bank will be extending a soft loan of the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) which amounts to approximately US$208 million at the rate of 0.15% per annum. It has a repayment term
of 40 years, including a 10year grace period to finance the multipurpose irrigation project in Iloilo. The Jalaur River Project is the biggest yet in the EDCFfunded projects in terms of loan amount. It was approved under the US$500-million
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Framework Arrangement signed between the government of Korea and the Philippines during the state visit of Korean President Myung-bak LEE to the Philippines last November 2011. The project aims to promote irrigation and agricultural productivity, thereby boosting economic and social development in Iloilo and contributing to the achievement of national food selfsufficiency targets. Mr. Sang-wan BYUN, Vice-President of Korea Eximbank, said that this is not only the biggest but also the fastest processed project, having taken into consideration its priority in the Philippine Investment Plan and its significance in achieving the nation’s efforts at food self-sufficiency.
Impact of Hallyu on the Filipino psyche discussed The Korean Cultural Center, together with the Korea Foundation for International Culture Exchange (KOFICE) recently hosted the “Hallyu sa Pinas,” a one-day forum that discussed the impact of Hallyu in the Philippines, given the strong interest of the Filipino consumers on Korean dramas, films and music. Hallyu was derived from the two Korean words ‘Han’ for Korean and ‘Ryu’ for Wave, bringing about the present-day name for Korean Wave. The forum, held last September 14 at the InterContinental Manila gathered media practitioners, members of the academe, film and music producers as well as other enthusiasts to look into the past, present and future of Hallyu (Korean Wave) in the Philippinesto examine the extent of the influence of Hallyu in the
Pictured with Ambassador Hyuk LEE (third from right) are (L-R) Prof. Djun Kil KIM of the University of Asia and the Pacific, Prof. Rhoderick Nuncio, Ph.D and Ms. Catherine Deen of the De La Salle University, Mr. Chris Millado, Vice-President of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Atty. Ricardo Blancaflor of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines and Director Seong Un HWANG of the Korean Cultural Center.
country as well as the acculturation that happens between the Korean and Filipino cultures through this phenomenon. Speakers for the first panel included Prof. Ma. Cristanda Flores, Ph.D of the University of the Philippines and Ms. Catherine Deen, Ph.D of De La Salle University (DLSU), while the moderator was Prof. Rhoderick Nuncio, Ph.D of DLSU served as the moderator and Prof. Djun Kil KIM of the University of Asia and the Pacific for the reaction and recommendation.
Tackling Koreanovelas were Mr. Jose Ma. Bartolome of GMA, Ms. Rachel Simon of ABS-CBN and Prof. Florinda Mateo of UP. Joining them are Prof. Louie Jon Sanchez of the Ateneo de Manila University as moderator and Ms. Rina Jimenez David of the Philippine Daily Inquirer for the reaction. Touching on the more popular topic of K-Pop were Ms. Happee Sy-Go of PULP Live World Productions, Ms. Katherine Choy of Astroplus Philippines and Ms. Gigia Yia, the
managing editor of Sparkling Magazine. For the film panel, discussants included Prof. Eduardo Lejano, Jr. of the UP Film Institute, filmmaker Chris Martinesz, Mr. Sanghoon AHN, president of Sangsang Film Company and Mr. In Ho HWANG, director of ‘Spellbound’ which was screened in the 2012 Korean Film Festival. Acting as moderator was award-winning filmmaker Pepe Diokno and the founder of Cinemanila, Tikoy Aguiluz, for the recommendations.
Varied genres entertain Filipinos on 2012 Korean Film Fest With seven family-themed films in the roster, this year’s film festival saw a bigger number and a more diverse group of Filipino audience patiently lining up for the free films screened during the Korean Film Festival in SM Cinemas last September 18 to October 7 in three select malls. “This year’s film festival covers all genres, which is a good opportunity for families to bond together. For our two peoples, family is the most cherished value for which we live.” Ambassador LEE said in his speech. The films screened were Jeon Woo Chi (전우치), Spellbound (오싹한연애), Bunt (날아라 허동구), A Barefoot Dream (맨발의 꿈), Late Blossom (그대를 사랑 합니다), Arahan (아라한 장 풍 대작전) and Highway Star
(복면달호). This year’s film fest, in cooperation with SM Cinemas and the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), featured a variety of genres ranging from fantasy, action, romance to comedy, further solidifying the hold of Hallyu (Korean Wave) in the Filipino consciousness. Apart from Manila, the festival included Cebu, with the province of Baguio added in. The Manila leg was held in SM Megamall last October 18 to 23, with the premiere night attended by FDCP Chairman Mr. Briccio Santos, Ambassador Hyuk LEE and Quirino Lone District Rep. Dakila Cua. Next to Manila, the filmfest moved to SM City Baguio which was held from September 26 to 30. The province of
(Topmost photo) Mr. Briccio Santos, Chairman of the Film Development Council of the Philippines and Ambassador Hyuk LEE talk during the opening night of the 2012 Korean Film Festival.
Cebu also hosted the film fest from October 3 to 7, which co-
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incided with their annual Korean Day celebration.
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PHL, KOR sign loan agreement for Puerto Princesa airport dev’t On behalf of the Korean and Philippine governments, the Exim-Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM) and the Department of Finance signed a US$71.612 million loan agreement last August 23 for the Puerto Princesa Airport development project by the
Department of Transportation and Communication. KEXIM Chairman and President Yong Hwan KIM and Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima signed the loan agreement that will, under the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF),
finance the improvement and rehabilitation of the gateway airport of the Province of Palawan. The Project is geared towards the expansion and development of the Puerto Princesa Airport through the construction of a new passenger terminal with facilities as well as the construction of a new access road. The loan is will also be for the improve-
ment of the runway and provision of navigational aids to accommodate increased domestic and international flights. This is the second loan agreement signed this year between the KEXIM and the Philippines. Last August 9, a US$207.88 million loan agreement was signed for the second phase of the Jalaur River Multipurpose Project.
Korea to help DOTC develop a Motor Vehicle Inspection System The Korean Government’s Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) will provide a US$ 1 million grant to the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) for the establishment of a National Integrated Vehicle Inspection and Management System in the Philippines. KOICA Resident Representative Jinoh KIM and DOTC Assistant Secretary Jaime Raphael Feliciano signed the project agreement on October 12, 2012 at the DOTC. The project will develop a master plan for a Motor Vehicle Inspection and Manage-
ment System that will be the basis and guide for government planners in charting the course of action for implementing a sustainable inspection system nationwide. It would also aid in the preparation of a strategic development plan for developing and implementing an integrated network of motor vehicle inspection and management facilities, as part of the overall scheme of vehicle registration. “We hope that upon completion of our project, the Philippine Government would be able to successfully establish Modern Integrated Vehicle Inspection and Management
KOICA Resident Representative Jinoh KIM and DOTC Assistant Secretary Jaime Raphael Feliciano signed the project agreement last October 12, 2012.
Centers that would help ensure road safety and address vehicular emission and pollution problems,” Resident Representative Jinoh KIM said during the signing ceremony. The 15-month project would involve the develop-
ment of the master plan and feasibility studies, as well as conducting capacity building program for vehicle inspectors, dispatching of technical experts, and training of local officials and personnel in Korea.
KOICA, NWRB Signs Water Information System Agreement The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the National Water Resources Board (NWRB), represented by Resident Representative Jinoh KIM and Officer-In-Charge Elenito Bagalihog respectively, signed the agreement for the Establishment of an Integrated 3D Geographical Information System (GIS)-based Water Resources Management Information System (WRMIS) in the Provinces of Pampanga and Bulacan last September 26 at the Quezon City-based office of NWRB. The project aims to accelerate progress of managing water resources support
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system in the Philippines. KOICA, in collaboration with the NWRB, will establish a WRMIS in Pampanga and Bulacan to secure Angat Dam as one of the sources of water supply for Metro Manila, hydropower supply for Luzon grid and irrigation for Bulacan and Pampanga farmlands. The project will use 3D geospatial empowered technology to monitor on-site information and foresee the overall system performance in a unified way. The data and information on water resources will be computerized using highresolution image information to manage secure integration of nationwide records.
KOICA Resident Representative Jinoh KIM and National Water Resources Board Officer-In-Charge Elenito Bagalihog signed the agreement for the Establishment of an Integrated 3D Geographical Information System (GIS)-based Water Resources Management Information System last September 26.
The Government of the Republic of Korea will provide a US$3.5 million grant to fund the GIS for river basin, dam automation, website for
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water resources information, and monitoring and evaluation system. The project is expected to be completed in 2015.