PH, Korea sign MOU on vets’ affairs cooperation
THE Philippines and the Republic of Korea (ROK) signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Veterans Affairs Cooperation.
Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana and ROK Patriot and Veterans Affairs Minister Park Minshik signed the MOU during the former’s official visit to Seoul.
The Philippines-Korea MOU will strengthen support for each country’s Korean War veterans and exchanges among the veterans’ descendants.
Present during the signing ceremony were Philippine Ambassador to South Korea Ma. Theresa Dizon De-Vega, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) Administrator Undersecretary Ernesto G. Carolina, and Young Erlinda Mae, the daughter of the late Maj. Maximo Young (Retired), president of the Philippine War Veterans Association, officials from the Ministry of Patriot and Veterans Affairs, and descendants of Korean War veterans.
The MOU contributes meaningfully to the realization of the shared objectives of the Philippines and ROK in expanding international projects honoring the sacrifices and dedications of veterans, including the 7,420 Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK) troops the Philippines sent in support of South Korea during the 1950-53 Korean War.
It is the third-largest force contribution after the United States and Britain to the war. The Republic of Korea has continuously manifested support for the Philippine government’s endeavors concerning PEFTOK veterans through the years and, most recently, various donations during the COVID-19 pandemic for elderly Filipino Korean War veterans and their families.
Both officials also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening veterans affairs cooperation by establishing a “consultative body” and participating in veterans affairs activities organized by both countries.
