21 July 2005 – The Philippine Embassy in Seoul, Republic of Korea informed the Department of Foreign Affairs that Ambassador Aladin G. Villacorte was given special recognition in this city by being named an honorary citizen of Seoul, which is an award given to very select individuals.

According to the Embassy’s report, the conferment of the title of Honorary Citizen of the City of Seoul to the Philippine Ambassador to South Korea was done in a simple awarding ceremony that took place on 20 July 2005 at the Taepyong Club, Taepyong Building in Seoul.  City Mayor Lee Myung Bak awarded a gold medal and a certificate to Ambassador Villacorte.  Assisting in the awarding ceremony was Ambassador Han Myung Chul, special adviser for foreign relations of the Mayor of Seoul.

The Mayor explained to the Embassy that the honorary citizenship award is given to very select individuals who have made a great contribution to society by their example and dedicated service while living in Seoul.  The Embassy report noted that very few Ambassadors have been given this honor.  Ambassador Villacorte, particularly, was cited for the friendship and cooperation he has shown to the city.

The certificate stated that the name of Ambassador Villacorte will be placed in the records of the Seoul Metropolitan government as evidence of the highest esteem in which he is held by the citizens of Seoul.

Also present during the awarding were Ambassador Chan Jee-ryang and Mr. Kim Hee-young, Chairman and Vice Chairman, respectively, of the Korea-Philippines Friendship association.

Ambassador Villacorte is scheduled to return to the Philippines as his tour of duty is completed by 31 July 2005.   Prior to his posting to Seoul, he was Philippine Ambassador to South Africa.  While in South Korea, Ambassador Villacorte was noted for his prominent promotion of Philippine-Korea bilateral relations, as well as for his staunch protection of the rights and welfare of Filipino workers in South Korea.  END