The House of Representatives on Tuesday honored outgoing South Korean Ambassador Han Dong-man with a resolution of commendation, praising his efforts in strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation between the Philippines and South Korea.
Also on Tuesday, the Lower House adopted
a resolution commending former House Secretary General Jocelia Bighani C. Sipin for her exemplary performance in shepherding the House Secretariat through a period of transition of leadership from the period 13 October to 18 November 2020.
Han received a copy of House Resolution 1405 which Speaker Lord Allan Velasco personally gave the envoy on suspended session at the plenary hall.
Unanimously adopted on December 7, the resolution recognizes Han’s achievements as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea (ROK) to the Philippines since January 17, 2018.
Earlier, President Rodrigo Duterte conferred Han the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu (Gold Distinction Grand Cross) in simple ceremonies at the Malacanang Palace.
House members noted Han’s achievements during his two-year posting in the Philippines.
“It is fitting to recognize the contributions of outgoing ROK Ambassador to the Philippines, H.E. Han Dong-man, who performed exemplary services in fostering not only stronger PH-ROK bilateral relations but also deeper people-to-people engagement between the Philippines and South Korea,” the resolution read.
Aside from Velasco, other authors of HR 1405 are Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Minority Leader Joseph Stephen “Caraps” Paduano (Abang Lingkod Partylist); Florida “Rida” Robes (NUP, San Jose del Monte City); Lorna Silverio (PDP-Laban, Bulacan) and Rosanna “Ria” Vergara (PDP-Laban, Nueva Ecija).
Lawmakers noted that during Han’s tenure, trade and investment between Philippines and South Korea grew. In 2019, South Korea was the fifth largest trading partner of the Philippines and also its third highest import source and sixth highest export destination.
Meanwhile, Sipin was cited by lawmakers for effectively ensuring a healthier and safer workplace in the House through the COVID-19 Testing and Monitoring System.
Sipin served as chief-of-staff of former Reps. Edno Joson of Nueva Ecija and Luigi Quisumbing of Cebu, before working for Velasco for the same position.
She is the youngest elected House Secretary General and is now the Deputy Secretary General for the Office of the Speaker.