Candaba plans Korean 'Friendship Monument'

CANDABA, Pampanga , Philippines  – Municipal officials are working with Korean nationals to put up a “Friendship Monument” in time for the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the Korean War which was participated in by around 7,000 Filipino soldiers.

Mayor Jerry Pelayo said his town will be part of the itinerary of Koreans and Filipino war veterans on Sept. 29 when the first battalion of the Philippine Expeditionary Forces was sent to Korea 60 years ago.

Yong Hoon Ahn, operations manager of the Human Hospitaller Organization in Korea, said their country and people wish to send their gratitude and appreciation to the Filipino soldiers who gave their lives “for the cause of freedom and independence” during the war.

As part of the commemoration, Yong said they plan to have a culture exchange program between Korea and Candaba town.

As a gesture of hospitality, Pelayo said he would initiate the construction of a “Friendship Monument” at the Miss Earth Park here as a destination of Korean tourists.