TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Taiwan donated NT$15.66 million (US$500,000) to the Philippines to help with reconstruction following natural disasters, reports said Friday.
As two consecutive typhoons, Kalmaegi and Fung-wong, caused substantial damage in the country, Taiwan’s mission in Manila made the donation to give residents a chance of resuming a normal life, per CNA.
Taiwan envoy Wallace Chow (周民淦) handed over a check Friday to Manila Economic and Cultural Office Director Corazon Padiernos and to board member Joseph Omar Castillo. Chow emphasized how both countries suffer from similar disasters. The envoy said he hoped the care, concern, and solidarity shown by the Taiwanese would help the families in disaster areas.
After a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck the island of Cebu in late September, Taiwan donated about NT$7.5 million, as well as relief goods for residents of the disaster areas.
Padiernos thanked Taiwan for the aid, adding it contributed to a more secure and more resilient future for the Philippines. She expressed the wish that the two countries could form a joint humanitarian assistance and disaster relief framework to further improve cooperation.
