TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) on Friday awarded the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon to former Philippine representative to Taiwan Cheloy E. Velicaria-Garafil for strengthening bilateral relations.

Lin said Velicaria-Garafil played a pivotal role in advancing ties, including helping the Philippine government issue Memorandum Circular No. 82 to ease limits on official engagement with Taiwan, per CNA. He also credited her with helping secure 14-day visa-free entry for Taiwanese travelers for business and tourism.

The steps, Lin said, expanded exchanges across sectors and deepened cooperation. They also helped place Taiwan–Philippines relations on a firmer institutional footing, he added.

Looking ahead, Lin said Taiwan will broaden cooperation with the Philippines in AI, energy, and tourism. He said the efforts will move forward under the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project.

Velicaria-Garafil thanked Taiwan’s government, business community, and society for their support, saying it helped turn long-standing obstacles into results. She said Taiwan has become her second home and pledged to continue backing closer bilateral ties.