Cebu, Republic of Korea pledge to strengthen ties

CEBU, Philippines – The consul general of the Republic of Korea in Cebu has acknowledged the importance of cultural understanding to strengthen the ties of Korea and Cebu further following the establishment of the country's consulate office here last March.

Last Thursday, the consulate office brought together local key sectors for the Korean-Filipino Friendship Night for fellowship and networking.

Present were representatives from the city and provincial governments, judiciary, justice department, police force, customs and immigration offices, labor and tourism departments, media, the academe, and the business sector.

"As the first Korean consul general in Cebu, I will do my best to facilitate and promote inter-cultural understandings and friendship between the Korean and Filipino people," said Consul General Lee Ki-Seog.

Lee said that with the growing number of Koreans who visit Cebu for vacation, learning, and business opportunities, it is more critical that the local Korean community help promote understand and respect for local customs.

Likewise, he hopes that Cebuanos, in turn, would broaden their understanding of Korea and Koreans and the country's traditions and value systems — beyond Korean music and television shows.

In a speech read by one of Capitol's department heads, Governor Hilario Davide III said the long standing relationship between Cebu and Korea only shows how well the cultures of both countries blend and how the two countries can benefit from each other.

He said Cebu will continue to nurture an environment where initiatives of both countries can prosper.

"History tells us that the Philippines was the fifth state to recognize the Republic of Korea and the first ASEAN country to establish relations with South Korea. If we count, we are now on our 66th year of productive journey," Davide said. —/JMO (FREEMAN)