The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) on Friday turned over USD200,000, or about P12.2 million, in cash assistance to support relief and recovery operations in Mindanao following the magnitude earthquake that struck the region on June 8.
TECO Representative Wallace Chow formally handed over the donation to the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO), represented by board members Cherbett Karen Maralit and Norman Villanueva.
Chow expressed Taiwan’s sympathy to communities affected by the quake and recognized the ongoing recovery efforts on the ground.
He also highlighted the close ties between Taiwan and the Philippines, noting how Filipinos have previously extended assistance to Taiwanese communities during disasters.
He recalled the response of Filipino volunteers during Super Typhoon Nando in Hualien in September, saying such acts reflect the spirit of cooperation between the two sides.
Chow also described this mutual assistance as a form of “bayanihan,” which he said could also be seen as “Taiwanihan” to emphasize people-to-people solidarity.
During the turnover ceremony, Best Chang, president of the Subic Bay Taiwan Chamber of Commerce, also presented an additional cash donation of P360,000 on behalf of the chamber.
MECO board member Maralit expressed gratitude for the assistance, saying the donations will be channeled to those most affected by the earthquake and ongoing recovery needs.
Representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Office of Civil Defense were present during the turnover ceremony as witnesses.
Photo courtesy of Focus Taiwan
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