Press Release - Gatchalian: SPONSORSHIP SPEECH Senate Resolution No. 946

RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE ENDURING AMITY AND COOPERATION BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA, AND COMMEMORATING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THEIR DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS

March 11, 2024
Session Hall, Senate of the Philippines

Delivered by the Honorable Win Gatchalian, Senator of the 19th Congress:

Mr. President, esteemed colleagues, a pleasant day to you all. Today, we are truly honored by the presence of the distinguished delegates from the Republic of Korea, headed by Ambassador Lee Sang-Hwa [Li Sang-wa], together with Counsellor Kwon Soon Hyun [Kwon Soon Hiyun], and First Secretaries Kim Boram, [Kim Bo Ram], and Cho Seonghyeon, [Cho Song-yon]. Annyeonghaseyo [an-yong-ha-seyo]! Mabuhay, and welcome to the Philippine Senate!

In my capacity as the Chairperson of the Republic of the Philippines-Republic of Korea Parliamentary Friendship Association in the Philippine Senate, I have the privilege to sponsor the adoption of a resolution that aims to recognize the enduring amity and cooperation between the Republic of the Philippines and the Republic of Korea, as we commemorate the significant milestone of the 75th anniversary of our diplomatic relations.

Mr. President, just as "K-drama" or Korean dramas have captured the hearts of Filipinos with their captivating storytelling and universal themes of love, family, and resilience, so too have our nations found common ground in the narratives of our histories.

Our enduring bond, spanning over 70 years, traces its roots back to 1949, when the Philippines proudly became the fifth nation to recognize the Republic of Korea upon its inauguration. The depth of our friendship was further solidified during the Korean War, when the Philippines courageously deployed the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea--standing shoulder to shoulder with our Korean brothers and sisters in their pursuit of peace and freedom.

Similarly, just as "K-pop" or Korean Pop transcends borders and languages to unite fans from every corner of the globe, our friendship knows no bounds--transcending geographical distances to foster a sense of camaraderie. A testament to this enduring connection is the sisterhood forged