Marcos thanks South Korea for supporting Philippines' infrastructure program

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. thanked the South Korean government on Friday for its assistance in building infrastructure in the country, including the Samar Pacific Coastal Road Project.

"Let me first extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Korean government, through the Exim Bank of Korea, for your support for this project and the other initiatives in the Build Better More Program. Indeed, you have helped us lay the groundwork for a more progressive and prosperous Philippines," Marcos said during his Northern Samar visit.

"If you have noticed, the [Department of Public Works and Highways] Secretary Manny Bonoan and I were looking at a piece of paper...this is a chart of the projects that [South Korea is funding here in the Philippines. There are 21 of them, and we anticipate an increase. Korea has always been a very good friend to the Philippines," he added. 

Marcos said that South Korea’s envoy to the Philippines Lee Sang-hwa mentioned to him during their recent meeting South Korea’s assistance when the Philippines was devastated by Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013.

"Korea was one of the first countries that sent a sizable contingent to come and to help us. Not only did they bring the relief goods, they [also] helped us in [terms of securing] the water supply, brought their own vehicles [for transport of aid], and assigned many of their soldiers and engineers to be of assistance," he said.

"When maybe 80 percent of the other aid programs (of agencies) had already left the province, Korea stayed for another three years since they were rebuilding the water and electrical systems. They did not leave us until those buildings were complete, and that is why I say thank you once again to our very good friend in Korea," he added.

Marcos expressed confidence that the best is yet to come for the Philippines-South Korea relations.

"I am certain that this undertaking will only further strengthen the cooperation between the Philippines and South Korea. With the opening of this road and bridges, the development of Northern Samar’s rich agricultural lands and bountiful fishing grounds will follow suit. It will also expedite delivery and movement of basic goods and services, which will hopefully boost our people’s quality of life," the President said. 

"This strengthens the government’s resolve to improve the peace and order situation in the province and ensure that our economic gains and basic services reach everyone on the island. That is why it is important for me to come and to be able to see what we have been able to complete," he added.  — VBL, GMA Integrated News