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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Marcos honors outgoing South Korean envoy for strengthening Philippines-ROK ties

Marcos honors outgoing South Korean envoy for strengthening Philippines-ROK ties

Published Jul 11, 2026 06:55 am

At A Glance

  • President Marcos conferred the Order of Sikatuna on outgoing South Korean Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa during his farewell call in Malacañang.
  • Marcos credited Lee for helping elevate Philippines-South Korea relations to a Strategic Partnership during his tour of duty.
  • The Strategic Partnership, established in 2024, expanded bilateral cooperation in defense, security, trade, infrastructure, energy, and people-to-people exchanges.
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. confers the Order of Sikatuna on outgoing South Korean Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa during his farewell call in Malacañan on July 9, 2026. (PCO)
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. confers the Order of Sikatuna on outgoing South Korean Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa during his farewell call in Malacañan on July 9, 2026. (PCO)

President Marcos has honored outgoing Republic of Korea Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa for his contributions to strengthening bilateral ties between the Philippines and South Korea, particularly in elevating the relationship to a Strategic Partnership.

During Lee's farewell call in Malacañang on Thursday, July 9, the President conferred on the envoy the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Grand Cross (Datu), Gold Distinction, one of the country's highest honors bestowed on foreign diplomats for exceptional service in advancing relations with the Philippines.

According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the award marked the conclusion of Lee's tour of duty, during which Philippines-Republic of Korea relations reached a new milestone.

'Partnership continues to grow stronger'

In a Facebook post after the meeting, Marcos thanked the South Korean envoy for helping deepen ties between the two countries.

"Our partnership with the Republic of Korea continues to grow stronger because of friends who have helped deepen the ties between our two nations," the President said.

"Thank you, Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa, for your service and friendship. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors," he added.

The PCO likewise said Lee played a key role in the strengthening of bilateral cooperation that culminated in the elevation of Philippines-Republic of Korea relations to a Strategic Partnership.

Strategic Partnership

The Philippines and South Korea formally elevated their bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership during the state visit of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to Manila in October 2024.

The agreement broadened cooperation in defense and security, maritime security, trade and investment, infrastructure, energy, climate action, digital transformation, education, and people-to-people exchanges.

The two countries also committed to expanding collaboration in defense modernization, including continued support for the Armed Forces of the Philippines through South Korea's Official Development Assistance and defense industry cooperation.

South Korea remains one of the Philippines' largest trading partners, a major source of foreign investments and official development assistance, and among the country's top sources of tourists. It is also home to tens of thousands of Filipinos, while a large Korean community resides in the Philippines.

Longstanding friendship

Diplomatic relations between the Philippines and South Korea were established in 1949 and have continued to deepen over the decades, anchored in strong economic ties and shared democratic values.

The two countries also share a long history dating back to the Korean War, when the Philippines became the first Asian nation to send combat troops under the United Nations Command in support of South Korea.

Marcos has repeatedly described South Korea as one of the Philippines' closest partners in the Indo-Pacific, with the Strategic Partnership serving as a framework for expanding cooperation amid evolving regional security and economic challenges.

Related Tags

President Marcos Bongbong Marcos PCO PH-South Korea Lee Sang-hwa
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