President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. conferred the Order of Sikatuna, Rank of Datu (Grand Cross, Gold Distinction), on outgoing South Korean Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa during his farewell call at Malacañang.

The Order of Sikatuna, the Philippines' national order of diplomatic merit, is bestowed on foreign nationals and diplomats who have rendered exceptional service in advancing the country's international relations.

President Marcos thanked Lee for his contributions to strengthening Philippines-South Korea relations during his tenure.

"For his outstanding and dedicated service in the field of international relations and for having been an exceptionally worthy and competent representative of the Government of the Republic of Korea," the citation read.

Since Lee assumed his post in June 2023, bilateral ties between the Philippines and South Korea have been elevated to a strategic partnership, bolstered by reciprocal state visits and President Marcos' participation in the 2025 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Gyeongju.

Economic cooperation also expanded following the implementation of the Korea-Philippines Free Trade Agreement in December 2024.

South Korea has become one of the Philippines' leading sources of foreign direct investment, particularly in semiconductors, energy and critical minerals.

Korean firms have likewise taken part in major infrastructure projects, including the rehabilitation of Ninoy Aquino International Airport, investments in the Subic shipyard, the expansion of Samsung Electro-Mechanics' facility in Calamba under the CREATE MORE Act, and transport projects involving railways, airports, seaports and the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge.

Defense cooperation also strengthened during Lee's tenure, with South Korea supplying key military assets to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, including FA-50 fighter aircraft, frigates and corvettes.

The two countries also expanded cooperation in infrastructure, digital transformation, healthcare, education, agriculture, climate resilience and disaster preparedness through development assistance programs.

People-to-people exchanges reached record levels, with South Korea remaining the Philippines' largest source of foreign tourists while the number of Filipinos visiting Korea also continued to grow.

Upon receiving the award, Lee expressed his gratitude to President Marcos and the Filipino people for the support and cooperation extended to him throughout his assignment.

Lee served as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to the Philippines from June 2023 until the conclusion of his tour of duty.