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On Thursday, the Philippines and Korea celebrated 30 years of development cooperation, with Seoul’s official development assistance (ODA) to Manila totaling USD2.1 billion.

Korea’s annual contributions have increased from USD7.24 million in 1991 to around USD127.75 million in 2021.

“Our cooperation has continued to evolve both qualitatively and quantitatively over the last 30 years, and Korea is now the Philippines’ second-largest development partner country,” Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Kim Inchul said in a virtual forum to commemorate the occasion.

Access to basic health services, agriculture and rural community development, transportation infrastructure, and disaster risk reduction are the four priority targets for the partnership right now.

With its USD65 million contribution to improving the country’s access to basic health services over 30 years, Korea was able to assist in the construction of public hospitals, health care centers, and system upgrades in Quezon City, Cavite, and Iloilo.

Seoul helped upgrade infrastructure in Busuanga, Misamis Oriental, South Manila, Nueva Ecija, Zambales, Pampanga, Negros Occidental, Northern Samar, Iloilo, Lanao del Norte, Cebu, and Romblon, accounting for 47 percent of Korea’s total ODA to the Philippines, or USD982 million.

The airports in Laguindingan and Puerto Princesa, the 2.7-kilometer bridge in Panguil Bay, and the international container port in Cebu are among the facilities that have been built or upgraded under this priority target so far.

The feasibility study for the Panay-Guimaras-Negros Island Bridges project is also being funded by Korea, according to the Embassy.

In addition, Korea provided USD218.6 million in humanitarian aid to the Philippines in response to typhoons, floods, earthquakes, and health emergencies.

This contribution covered the installation of early warning systems in seven regions, including Metro Manila, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, and Laguna, which included 100 automated hydrological observation stations.

Korea was quick to offer assistance when the coronavirus outbreak broke out, which the Korean envoy described as a “strong sign of the development partnership built over the last 30 years.”

Its total Covid-19 contribution to Manila now stands at over USD210.7 million (roughly PHP10.6 billion), including a planned donation of 539,430 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine and a USD200 million concessional loan to help the country develop its emergency response program and procure more vaccines.

In Pangasinan, Isabela, Quirino, Iloilo, Bohol, Davao del Sur, and Nueva Ecija, for example, its USD358 million contribution to help Filipino rural communities allowed for the construction of agricultural infrastructure, the enhancement of value chains, and the upskilling of farmers.

Jaesang Hwang, the Country Director of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in the Philippines, said Korea wants to look into more ways to help the Philippines accelerate sustainable development, including incorporating “green and digital factors” into its traditional programs.

Aside from its four priority goals in the country, Korea is collaborating with the US Agency for International Development (USAID) to improve the country’s climate resilience and combat ocean plastic pollution.

‘Making a difference’ is a phrase used by people who want to make a difference.

Beyond the numbers, Kim said the partnership was able to make a “real difference” in the lives of several Filipinos, citing the community in Bulacan that was given job opportunities through Igting, a sewing center established by CAMP and KOICA.

“With the help of KOICA and CAMP, I was able to maintain hope in my life. They came to us to find out what we needed in the area, to teach us skills we didn’t have, and to serve as a lighthouse to help us grow “In a message read by the envoy, one of the beneficiaries said.

Seoul and Manila’s three-decade development relationship began in 1991, when Philippine officials were invited to participate in training programs in Korea, and has since expanded to include agriculture, infrastructure, climate change, disaster risk reduction, health, and science, technology, and innovation.

“Thirty years in Korean culture and tradition is significant. Everyone in Korea understands that you must stand alone in 30 years and that you can do so because you laid the foundation in those 30 years. I believe that on that foundation, we will be able to form closer bonds with all of our partners and friends “Kim remarked.

“Of course, our ultimate goal—a more sustainable and resilient society for all Filipinos—will be achieved by working together,” he added.

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