Taiwan boosts aid to PH
Taiwan has donated $500,000 (P29.4 million) to support recovery efforts in the Philippines following the recent typhoons that have hit the country.
In a ceremony in Makati City on Friday, Representative Wallace Chow of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (Teco) turned over the cash donation to Corazon Padiernos, chair of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (Meco).
Teco said this latest contribution is in addition to the $250,000 worth of relief goods—including water purification equipment, blankets, tents and solar lamps—which Taiwan had earlier donated to victims of Typhoon “Tino” (international name: Kalmaegi).
Shared experience
Citing the experience with calamity shared by the Philippines and Taiwan, Chow said Taipei is keen on deepening cooperation with the Philippines in terms of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
Taiwan is often hit next by tropical storms affecting the Philippines. Chow recalled how, only last September, Supertyphoon “Nando” (international name: Ragasa) caused a barrier lake overflow in his hometown of Hualien County, when the supertyphoon unleashed deadly mudflows, buried hundreds of homes and left 20 people dead.
Nando was among the series of storms that crossed the country that month and left people killed.
Chow noted that such shared experience of loss and hardship from typhoons and earthquakes has enabled the Taiwanese people to empathize even more deeply with the suffering faced by communities in the Philippines.
‘Bayanihan’ spirit
“In the spirit of bayanihan (cooperation) and mutual support,” he said, Taiwan hopes this expression of care, love and solidarity will bring comfort and assistance to Filipino families recovering from calamities.
The diplomat further reaffirmed Taiwan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and deepening cooperation with the Philippines in terms of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
Padiernos also spoke about the spirit of bayanihan and expressed gratitude to Taiwan for its support.
Also in attendance at the ceremony were lawyer Joseph Castillo, Meco Board Member, and Angeli Joyce Barafon, Meco head executive assistant.—PNA, WITH INQUIRER RESEARCH
