President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday highlighted South Korea’s unwavering support for Philippine infrastructure, welcoming President Lee Jae-myung to Malacañan Palace in a landmark state visit marking 77 years of diplomatic ties.
The visit—South Korea’s first presidential trip since the Philippines–Korea Free Trade Agreement took effect—signals a deepening strategic partnership, with Marcos underscoring Seoul’s backing for flagship projects.
Key initiatives include the New Dumaguete Airport, Samar Pacific Coastal Road, Jalaur River Multipurpose Project, and Laguna Lakeshore Road Network.
Marcos also acknowledged Korean support for the recently inaugurated Pangil Bay Bridge in northern Mindanao and expressed hopes for imminent construction on the Panay-Guimaras-Negros Island Bridge. He noted Korea’s growing interest in the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge as part of a broader infrastructure agenda.
“Our holistic development partnership with the Republic of Korea also spans AI, marine cleanup, water management, agricultural mechanization, ambulatory health services, capacity building, and protection of vulnerable Bangsamoro communities,” Marcos said.
The FTA, he added, has already expanded trade opportunities, boosting exports of Philippine bananas and tropical fruits to South Korea. Cultural and historical ties remain strong, Marcos said, recalling shared sacrifices during the Korean War and emphasizing continued collaboration grounded in freedom, peace, and prosperity.
The visit is seen as a strategic reinforcement of the Philippines’ infrastructure roadmap, leveraging South Korea’s financing, technology, and expertise to accelerate projects critical to economic growth.
The alliance also signals a broader regional pivot, aligning Manila and Seoul in trade, technology, and sustainable development priorities.
With bridges, airports, and roads on the horizon, Philippine-Korean cooperation looks set to reshape both the archipelago’s infrastructure landscape and its economic trajectory.
