Ms. Melody Albano Castro was one of the victims in the recent Hualien earthquake in Taiwan. The family of Melody will receive a total of NTD$ 1.79 million Taiwan Dollars (equivalent to around PHP$ 2.8 million pesos) from the Taiwan Government’s consolation, compensation, insurance claims and the Taiwanese voluntary donations.
Apart from the 2.8 million pesos, Taiwanese community in the Philippines has also raised donation around PHP$ 250,000 pesos for Castro’s family and the donated funds will be handed over to the bereaved family in due course.
On the morning of Feb. 14, 2018, Taiwan Representative in the Philippines, Dr. Gary Song-Huann Lin, in conjunction with the representatives of the MECO and OWWA, witnessed the return of the coffin of Melody Albano Castro to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The coffin is scheduled to arrive in Tuguegarao City on Thursday Fed. 15, 2018.
Representative Lin paid his respect and esteem to Ms. Melody Albano Castro at the airport. On behalf of the Taiwan Government, Representative Gary Lin has also extended his sincere condolences and deep sympathy to Melody’s family. May Melody’s soul rest in peace and her family will be able to move on with their normal life.
Dr. Gary Song-Huann Lin, Taiwan Representative to the Philippines, further stated that Taiwan government and people deeply regret the loss of a young life and will provide all the assistances needed for the bereaved family including exploring the possibility of medical assistance for the husband of Melody who was injured in a previous motorcycle accident.
There are approximately 150,000 Filipino OFWs currently working in Taiwan. They are fairly treated and equally protected by law as the Taiwanese nationals. Taiwan government and people treat OFWs as brothers and sisters, and value them not only because they have been able to alleviate Taiwan's labor shortage, but also their tremendous contributions towards the development of Taiwan’s economy. Taiwan government will continue to cooperate with the Philippine government to protect and look after the OFWs in Taiwan.
Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines Makati City, February 15, 2018
