December 22, 2021
No. 284
The government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) has announced a donation of US$500,000 to assist in the recovery efforts of the Philippines after the devastation of Super Typhoon Rai (known locally as Odette). Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu presided over the donation ceremony, which was held in the afternoon of December 22. The donation was accepted by Chairman and Resident Representative Wilfredo B. Fernandez of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office.
Chairman Fernandez expressed gratitude to the government and people of Taiwan for the timely and generous donation. He stressed that his government would utilize the fund to distribute much-needed resources to disaster victims as soon as possible.
Foreign Minister Wu expressed sincere condolences and best wishes to the government and people of the Philippines. He stated that Taiwan and the Philippines are close neighbors and that the peoples of the two countries enjoy close interaction. Out of empathy for the disaster victims, the people of Taiwan immediately sought to extend a helping hand. It is hoped that the affected areas will recover and that life will soon return to normal for local residents.
Super Typhoon Rai hit the Philippines on December 16, causing severe flooding and mudslides in central and southern Philippines. As of December 21, the death toll had reached 375. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte declared a state of calamity in six areas, including Visayas and Mindanao, on December 21.
The Philippines is one of Taiwan’s key development partners, with around 150,000 Filipino migrant workers and new immigrants living in Taiwan. Taiwan stands with the Philippines in facing the challenges caused by the typhoon and is seeking to contribute to the reconstruction of affected areas. It is hoped that the Philippines will recover as soon as possible. In the future, the two countries will continue to strengthen bilateral cooperation based on existing foundations so as to further ensure the well-being of both peoples. (E)