The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Bauang, under the leadership of Municipal Mayor Eulogio Clarence Martin P. De Guzman III, warmly received Korean visitors from Taebaek City, Gangwon State, Republic of South Korea, last November 2024. They donated 10,000 mangrove seedlings to our Municipality which was officialized at a ceremonial turn-over on the first day of their visit at the Bauang Bakawan Eco-Tourism Park at Barangay Parian-Oeste, Bauang, La Union.
The distinguished guests were from the Korean Specialty Contractors Association and Agriculture Center of Taebaek City.
The dark, rainy sky from a looming storm did not hinder our Municipality from proceeding with the activity.
Present at the Bakawan were officials and employees from South Korea, LGU Bauang, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), and Municipal Tourism Office (MTO).
Mayor De Guzman delivered his welcome remarks, followed by the ceremonial turn-over of the mangrove seedlings. Mr. Lee Hoojin and Mr. Hong Soongyo, both from Korean Specialty Contractors Association, also conveyed their messages.
At the Bakawan, as their final activity, they participated in a mangrove-planting activity together with LGU Bauang officials.
On the second day of their visit, they were warmly received to a welcome dinner at Rosebowl Steakhouse and Restaurant, Brgy. Pagdalagan Sur, Bauang, La Union. The following delivered their messages: Ms. Lee Insuk, Director of Administration, Mr. Lee Hoojin, Past President, Korean Specialty Contractors Association, and Mr. Hong Soongyo, Current President, Korean Specialty Contractors Association.
Dr. Peter Paul Nang, Consultant for City Sisterhood and International Relation, provided the introduction to the Special Awardee, Mr. Song Giyoung, Head of Agriculture Center in Taebaek City.
“Consider Bauang as your second home,” Mayor De Guzman expressed in his message. “I am confident that your visit will leave a lasting impact on us all.”
After Mayor De Guzman’s inspirational message, the guests were awarded certificates and tokens of appreciation and were treated to a gracious dinner.
Taebaek City has been Bauang’s sister city and has been in partnership with us in the deployment of Bauang farmers to their city.
This event proves the commitment of LGU Bauang in protecting our natural resources. Further, international relations allows nations to cooperate with one another and pool resources as a way to face global issues that transcend any national border. This cooperation with South Korea places our municipality at the center of international relations in East Asia.
Written by: Korina Esteban-Ma
