FVR visits Catholic University of Korea

FVR visits Catholic University of Korea

In commemoration of the 60^thanniversary of the Korean War, the Catholic University of Korea  (CUK) invited former Philippine President,  Fidel Valdez Ramos (FVR) to talk about the “ Significant Contributions of the Filipino Soldiers during the Korean War”. The sixth Stephen Cardinal Kim Global Leadership Colloquium was held last September 15, 2010 at Multiseminar Room IH 267, Sacred Heart Convention Center.

Dr. Victoria Jo, the director of International Language Education Center (ILEC) introduced the guest of honor. The President of Catholic University of Korea, Fr. Johan Yeong-Sik Pahk, SSD delivered the welcoming remarks. A short video presentation, courtesy of the Philippine Embassy, represented by Ambassador Luis Cruz, was also shown during the conference to give the audience a brief background of what happened during the Korean war.  Images of the Korean war and interviews with the Filipino Korean war veterans were shown in the video. The video depicted the difficult life during war times.  The video was a great eye opener, especially to most of the audience, university students, who only hear about the Korean war stories from their grandparents.  

The video was followed by the presentation by Former President Fidel V. Ramos.  FVR mentionedhistoric details of Philippine participation in the Korean war.  The Philippines joined the Korean War in 1950. The Philippines sent an expeditionary force, the  Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea, or PEFTOK. It was the 4th largest force under the United Nations Command. The PEFTOK took part in decisive battles such as the Battle of Yultong Bridge,  Battle of Miudong/Syngue, the Battle of Hill Eerie, among others. PEFTOK soldiers, including FVR, fought bravely in the course of their duty.  Finally, their efforts paid off. Eventually, in 1953, Korean War Armistice Agreement took place.  

FVR mentioned the rehabilitation and reconstruction in Korea. Korea strived hard to what it is today, an economic powerhouse. Today, Korean industries continue to boom elsewhere.

Amidst the great success that Korea is now experiencing, FVR reminded the guests to live their daily lives to the best of their ability so that the sacrifices made before would not be in vain.  In closing, he also left three important key points - CARING, SHARING and DARING for each other and for the countries around the world.  He said that caring and sharing are easy enough to do.  To care and share to other people and other nations is simple as it is natural for humankind.  Daring, however, is a bit difficult.  Daring requires courage - daring to enhance the environment instead of abusing it, daring to unite for the common good.  FVR challenged everyone – to CARE, to SHARE and to DARE  - daring to sacrifice to make a difference. Indeed, lets all Care, Share and Dare for a better world.

_________________________________________________________________________

Some background about Korean War and participation of the Filipino Soldiers including His Excellency:
http://www.kyeongin.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=541313
http://cuk2.tistory.com/1350

Colloquium Video Links:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXiHiaAw-9k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BstMyjbomP4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piacq3WrChE

Photos courtesy of Ms. Karina Chua. Videos courtesy of Mr. Alexander Martin Aquino.