Manila: Taiwan donated US$200,000 to the Philippines on Friday to support recovery efforts following a devastating magnitude 7.8 earthquake that caused widespread destruction in Mindanao early last month. Taiwan representative Wallace Chow presented the donation in Manila to Cherbett Karen Maralit, a board member of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO).
According to Focus Taiwan, Chow conveyed Taiwan's condolences to those affected by the earthquake, saying both Taiwan and the Philippines frequently face natural disasters and can empathize with each other's suffering. The donation reflects the deepening Taiwan-Philippines partnership and Taiwan's commitment to cooperation in humanitarian aid and disaster prevention, Chow said.
He noted that after Typhoon Ragasa struck Hualien's Guangfu Township last year, hundreds of Filipino migrant workers in Taiwan volunteered to help clear debris, showcasing the bond and mutual support between the people of Taiwan and the Philippines. Maralit thanked the government and people of Taiwan on behalf of the Philippines and said the resources would be used effectively to assist those most in need.
Chang Che-chia, chair of the Taiwan Chamber of Commerce in Subic Bay, donated 360,000 pesos (US$5,856) on behalf of the association. The earthquake left 88 people dead, 24 missing and more than 1,000 injured. It affected 1.67 million people and caused infrastructure damage totaling NT$720 million (US$22.56 million).