South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Han Dong-man
MANILA -- The Philippines and South Korea are slated to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to promote culture and arts between the two countries.
South Korean Ambassador Han Dong-man made the disclosure during a dinner interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA) in his residence in Makati City.
Also invited during the dinner were Virgilio Almario, chairman of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA); Anne Luis, head of the International Office-Sentro Rizal of NCCA; Sylvia Lichauco-de Leon, managing director of Project Ballet Futures; Theo Arnold, executive director of Jav Talent Unlimited Foundation, Inc.; and Bingo Dejaresco, editor-in-chief of the Bohol Chronicle.
During the occasion, the South Korean envoy, who spoke in a mix of English and Tagalog, profusely thanked the assistance extended by the Philippines during the Korean War with the sending of the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK) that engaged in combat when his country was invaded by North Korean and Chinese troops.
Han cited the bravery of Filipino soldiers, particularly former president Fidel V. Ramos, who was an army captain at that time, in leading his unit in the conquest of the strategic Eerie Hill at the height of the war.
He said the signing of an MOU is in accordance with the mutual decision reached recently by President Rodrigo R. Duterte and South Korean President Moon Jae-in “to designate 2019 as the year of mutual exchange in commemoration of the 70 years of Philippines-Korea diplomatic relations.”
This also aims “to strengthen cooperation in cultural exchange and promote people-to people exchange,” he added.
General objectives
Han said the “year of mutual exchange presents a unique opportunity in establishing a sustainable cooperative relationship between Korean and Filipino professional organizations and cultural institutions.”
The two countries will undertake cultural exchange, cooperation and exchange of expertise, experiences and best practices in the fields of culture and arts.
The exchange of information materials may include but are not limited to books, periodicals, non-book and other reference materials; publications, photographs or other visual and exhibit materials; archival materials; and other information materials as may be mutually agreed upon.
The exchange of expertise and personnel includes experts in the fields of museum, library, films and audiovisual content; conservation and promotion of tangible and intangible heritage; heritage tourism; and cultural administration. It could also include other personnel in government as may be mutually agreed upon.
Personnel who will be selected for the exchange programs will be able to participate in the following activities:
A. Book fairs and literary festivals, and increased exchange cooperation in the field of library and the publishing sector;
B. Film festivals and co-production of film, animation, and other audiovisual content;
C. Trainings, workshops, seminars related to history, culture and the arts;
D. Performances, exhibitions, culture and arts festivals, culinary arts, creative industry markets;
E. Translation of literary works;
F. Exchange in the distribution and exhibition of audiovisual content (Film, TV, animation) and other related media;
G. Facilitation of logistical arrangements relevant to film and TV material production; and
H. Other forms of cooperation as may be mutually agreed upon. (PNA)
