The Philippine Embassy in Seoul, led by Ambassador-designate Bernadette Therese Fernandez, joined the official launching ceremony of the Philippine Navy’s newest Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV), the BRP Rajah Lakandula, on 20 November 2025 at the HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) shipyard in Ulsan. The event underscored the rapidly expanding strategic and economic significance of the defense industrial cooperation between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea (ROK).
The OPV launch is a tangible result of the Philippines’ commitment to modernizing its naval capabilities and strengthening bilateral relations with the ROK.
The Philippine delegation was prominently represented by key defense and procurement officials, including Navy Vice Commander MGen Edwin E. Amadar, AFP Vice Chief of Staff LtGen Jimmy D. Larida, and Defense Procurement Service Chief Atty. Effie R. Agsaoay.
Ambassador-designate Fernandez was accompanied by Embassy officers, First Secretary and Consul Flaureen Dacanay, Third Secretary and Vice Consul Reisha Olavario, and Philippine Defense Attaché to the ROK Col. Don Templonuevo. HD HHI was led by the President/COO of the Naval & Medium Size Ship Building Business Unit, Joo Wonho.
In his remarks, Vice Commander Amadar emphasized that the vessel’s launch demonstrates the Philippine Navy’s commitment to building a modern, credible, and self-reliant force capable of safeguarding national and regional stability.
“The OPV program reflects the growing trust and cooperation between the Philippines and the ROK, built on shared values and a vision for long-term peace and security,” stated Vice Commander Amadar.
Designed for long-range and sustained operations, the BRP Rajah Lakandula will significantly expand Philippine maritime security coverage. The vessel is poised to support critical missions, including anti-smuggling, anti-piracy, disaster relief, and extended patrols across the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone.
Ambassador-designate Fernandez, in a ceremonial toast, reaffirmed that defense cooperation has become an essential pillar of the PH-ROK bilateral relations. She highlighted the dual benefits of naval modernization.
“Naval modernization not only strengthens the Philippines’ security posture but also stimulates economic activity, facilitates technology partnerships, and supports Filipino workers in the ROK’s shipbuilding sector,” the Ambassador-designate stressed.
During her discussions with HHI leadership, Ambassador-designate Fernandez commended the early delivery of Philippine vessels and underscored the importance of worker welfare and sustained defense industrial cooperation.
The BRP Rajah Lakandula launch serves as a powerful example of how strategic defense partnerships can deliver both robust security capabilities and long-term economic value. The Philippine Embassy is dedicated to advancing these priorities as part of its broader mandate to strengthen the PH–ROK strategic partnership in the years ahead.
