With over a hundred thousand Korean nationals in the country, the ties of Korea and the Philippines continue to flourish from the start of its diplomatic relations 70 years back. The Korean Embassy has partnered and the Philippine Sports Commission announced its partnership yesterday for the holding of the first-ever Korea-Philippines Sports Festival.

PSC Chairman William Ramirez announced this venture alongside Korean Ambassador Han Dong-Man, Consul Park Joong-Suk, Byun Jae Heung of the United Korean Community Association in the Philippines (UKCA) and Youn Man Heong from the Korean Sports Association of the Philippines (KSAP).

“We at the PSC are grateful to partner with the Korean Embassy in this celebration, mainly because of the rich history both the Philippines and Korea have shared for a long time. The Korean Institute of Sports Science has been persistent in helping national team coaches and practitioners in lectures of sports science, sports psychology and sports policy,” said Ramirez.

With the theme ‘March Together’, the embassy will launch the Korea-Philippines Sports Festival on June 8 with football, soccer and baseball among the 12 sports to be played at PhilSports Complex in Pasig.
“Sports is a vital component to connect people together, that is why we are inviting Filipino locals, especially the families of Korean War veterans to join the games with us,” said Ambassador Han, who also thanked the PSC for its support.

Meanwhile, cultural performances will also be showcased on the second day of festivities together with the hosting of the ‘Tortoise Marathon’. Han said he is hopeful that this activity will be held regularly, clarifying that it depends majorly on the willingness of both parties as well as the success of the event.

Korean Cultural Center First Secretary and Director Dr. Lee Jincheol, Consul General Kim Hong-Kon and Consul Park Joong-Suk initially made a courtesy call and meeting with Chairman Ramirez last March 5. (pr)