GOYANG, Korea — Under clear winter skies in Goyang Special City, Filipino and Korean film production teams gathered at the War Memorial of the Filipinos on February 21 not only to commemorate the 77th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Republic of the Philippines and the Republic of Korea, but also to reflect, remember, and learn, grounded in a shared history forged during the Korean War.
Standing before the monument, the delegation revisited a past defined by sacrifice and courage. Within the 4,000-square-meter memorial complex, the names of Filipino soldiers who fought in the war are etched in stone, a lasting testament to their service. Between 1950 and 1953, the Philippines deployed 7,420 troops under the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK) and extended food and medical assistance to communities devastated by conflict. As the first Asian country and the fifth overall to send combat forces under the United Nations Command, the Philippines played a significant role in major engagements, including the Battle of Yultong. The memorial stands as both a symbol of gratitude and a reminder that today’s partnership was built on solidarity in a time of need.
The commemoration also highlighted the individuals dedicated to preserving that legacy. At the site, the team met Shin Myung-Boon, head of the Veterans Support Team under the Welfare Policy Division of the Social Welfare Bureau, along with Deputy Team Leader Ok Hee-Bin and civil servant Lee Yumi of Goyang Special City. They emphasized that remembrance extends beyond ceremonies and is sustained through veteran welfare programs, educational initiatives for younger generations and continued engagement with veterans and their families.
Documenting these efforts was a joint Filipino and Korean production team. Creatives from Yako Studio, led by Program Director Jung Seok-Woo, represented the Korean side, while the Philippine delegation was headed by Program Director Merilea Llamoso, journalist and news reporter John Consulta and cameraman Jonathan Viterbo. Through their lens, the team sought to capture not only the solemn tribute at the memorial but also the broader narrative of a partnership that has matured over decades.
The visit formed part of a special documentary project by I-Witness of GMA Network, produced in collaboration with Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, with support from Deputy Director Song Dong Hyun. The documentary aired on Philippine national television on February 28 at 10:45 p.m. Philippine Standard Time and was livestreamed simultaneously on the network’s official YouTube and Facebook pages, allowing audiences in the Philippines and around the world to witness the commemoration in real time.
The timing carried added significance. In Korea, March 1 is observed as Samiljeol (삼일절), commemorating the 1919 March 1 Independence Movement against Japanese colonial rule. Airing the documentary on the eve of this national holiday underscored shared themes of freedom, sacrifice and sovereignty that resonate in both nations’ histories. March 3 likewise marks the 77th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The Philippines was the first Southeast Asian nation to establish diplomatic ties with Korea and remains a longstanding ally, having dispatched the largest troop contingent among Asian nations during the Korean War.
As Korea observes Samiljeol and both nations commemorate 77 years of diplomatic relations, the scenes in Goyang point not only to a shared past but to a shared future. From wartime allies to strategic partners in trade, culture, education and technology, the relationship continues to evolve while remaining anchored in mutual respect.
The I-Witness special may be viewed on GMA Network’s official YouTube and Facebook pages, where audiences worldwide can revisit the commemoration and reflect on a friendship that continues to grow stronger with time.
As a Filipino, it is an honor to be part of this documentary series, sharing the story of our soldiers’ bravery and the enduring friendship between the Philippines and Korea. Witnessing these moments firsthand in Goyang Special City served as a powerful reminder that history is not only found in books or monuments but also in the stories we continue to tell and pass on to future generations. Through documenting these memories, the hope is that more people will come to appreciate the sacrifices that shaped the relationship between the two nations and recognize how those acts of courage continue to inspire cooperation, respect and friendship today.
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