MALACANAN PALACE MANILA


1 am pleased to welcome the Little Angels Children's Folk Ballet Group of Korea to the Philippines.

Your 16-nation tour highlights the very best of the Republic of Korea' performing arts and honors the memory of all those who served during the Korean War six decades ago.

From 1950 to 1955, the Philippines sent more than 7,000 of its brave and gallant soldiers to Korea in defense of peace, freedom and democracy. Of this number. J 16 Filipino soldiers died but I can assure you that they did not die in vain.

Sixty years hence, the memory of their heroism and those of others who served during the Korean War remains deeply etched in the hearts and minds of all those who wday enjoy the blessings of hard-earned peace and prosperity. Let us never forget our continuing responsibility to build on the legacy of these gallant and heroic soldiers.

The Philippines remains a country and a people firmly committed to further strengthening the ramparts of peace and democracy throughout the world.

As we warmly welcome the performance of the Little Angels Children's Folk Ballet of Korea, let us celebrate the enduring ties and common values that bind our nations and people in a relationship that is special and meaningful in so many ways.

Mabuhay'

Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo