Korea-Philippines Friendship

        The 2^nd Korean University Students Overseas Volunteers are students who came here in our country to offer their services. This year they had chosen Ajuy, Iloilo as beneficiary of their program. They had their effortful volunteering with activities like school painting and cleaning, and educational volunteering wherein they put up a Korean school and teach for free, Korean alphabet, Taekwondo, Computer skills, and Samulnolee/Korean traditional instruments playing.

Often, the question asked by a Filipino is, why they have chosen our country for such program. And they root it back to the Korean War era wherein they said that Filipino soldiers fought with them, and for that they continue to be grateful. I am not so familiar now with history, but according to them during the 60’s when Korea was in poverty, and Philippines was among the economic powers in Asia, we had been of great help to them. And now is the time to return that favor.

In a way, as Board Member Jett puts it, this whole experience will also make this Koreans realized how blessed they are for their rich and beautiful country after seeing how our country continues to wallows in neediness. Nakakasama ng loob na ganoon ang buhay pero ‘yon ang totoo. But of course, there’s that fact that ours is a beautiful country too. These Koreans wouldn’t cause an influx in our tourism industry if not so.

But I guess as of now, we just have to be humble with the fact that we really need whatever assistance they could give us. On a larger scale parang okay naman tayo, pero kapag napupunta ka nga sa malalayong lugar, at makikita mo ang totoong sitwasyon ng mga paaralan, ng mga mag-aaral, saka lang natin masasabi na ‘andami pa ngang pangangailangan na di natutugunan. And this should really be a collective effort of everybody. Hindi rin puwede na iasa na lang lagi sa mga pagkakataong ganito, na may mga tao o organisasyong tutulong.

I know this is not the proper way to thank all of them, but in behalf of the people of Ajuy, and even if I’m a half-baked Ilongga, I take my hats off to these students, to the National Council of Saemaul Leaders in Korea who conceived this project. I hope they will continue to extend their support for the Ilonggos.

Likewise, my gratitude goes to the mayor of Ajuy, the school principal, the staff, the pupils, and the people of Ajuy who gladly welcome the Korean students and showed their untiring support to make this possible.