President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr.conferred the Order of Sikatuna, the Philippines' highest diplomatic honor, on outgoing South Korean Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa during his farewell call at Malacañang Palace.The award recognizes Lee's significant contributions to strengthening bilateral relations between the Philippines and South Korea.

Key areas of cooperation include maritime affairs, defense procurement, veterans' affairs, law enforcement, combating transnational crime, legal cooperation, agriculture, infrastructure development, trade, economic innovation, critical raw materials, cosmetics, intellectual property, digital cooperation, nuclear energy, cultural exchanges, tourism, and education.

Lee was also acknowledged for expanding South Korea's investments in strategic industries like semiconductors and shipbuilding, as well as promoting technical cooperation in health, agriculture, and environmental sectors.

This diplomatic gesture underscores the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations, reflecting mutual commitment to economic growth, security, and regional stability.