Manila: The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) has extended a helping hand to Mindanao by donating USD200,000, roughly PHP12.2 million, to aid relief and recovery operations following a major earthquake that impacted the area on June 8.

According to Philippines News Agency, TECO Representative Wallace Chow officially handed over the financial assistance to the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO), with board members Cherbett Karen Maralit and Norman Villanueva present to receive it. During the ceremony, Chow conveyed Taiwan's condolences to the earthquake victims and praised the resilience of the Filipino people as recovery efforts continue.

Chow highlighted the geographical closeness between Taiwan and the Philippines and reminisced about the assistance Filipinos provided to Taiwanese communities affected by Super Typhoon Nando in Hualien last September. He remarked that their aid mirrors the Filipino spirit of bayanihan, which he suggested could also be termed "Taiwanihan" to symbolize the friendship between Taiwan and the Philippines.

Additionally, Best Chang, the president of the Subic Bay Taiwan Chamber of Commerce, contributed a cash donation of PHP360,000 on behalf of the Chamber during the event. MECO board member Maralit expressed gratitude for the timely support, committing to ensuring that all assistance reaches those in dire need. The ceremony was witnessed by representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Office of Civil Defense.