Taiwan donated 5 million pesos (US$100,100) and food supplies to the Philippines Dec. 14 for post-disaster relief and reconstruction in Cagayan province after the region was struck by a super typhoon in October.

Gary Song-huann Lin, Taiwan’s representative to the Philippines, presented the funds on behalf of the Republic of China (Taiwan) government to Cagayan Governor Manuel N. Mamba, who expressed gratitude for the nation’s support, and noted the strong friendship between the people of the two sides. Taiwan’s Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation also provided 2,300 sacks of rice for those impacted by the storm.

Lin said that his heart sank when he learned of the destruction Typhoon Haima had caused in the region. He added that Cagayan has strong ties with Taiwan, noting that it is just an hour’s flight from the nation while Taiwan fishing vessels often visit the province during fishing season for supplies.

“I wish the best for Cagayan, and hope that the affected families can get back on their feet and regain their strength and that the damaged infrastructure and housing can be quickly reconstructed,” Lin said.

In addition, Taiwan donated 500,000 pesos and 700 sacks of rice to the municipality of Aparri as well as 300 sacks of rice to the city of Buguey. The two cities in Cagayan were badly impacted by the storm, with Aparri Mayor Shalimar Tumaru expressing her deep appreciation for Taiwan’s aid.

Citing a previous donation of 1 million pesos to Batanes province Nov. 23 for families affected by Typhoon Meranti in September, Lin said that Taiwan’s support for relief and reconstruction efforts reflects its wider commitment to forging stronger ties with the Philippines under the New Southbound Policy.

According to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines, the policy demonstrates the importance that Taiwan attaches to relations with the Southeast Asian nation and provides the framework for further expanding people-to-people exchanges and mutual understanding between the two sides.

A central plank of President Tsai Ing-wen’s national development strategy, the people-centric New Southbound Policy aims to deepen agricultural, business, cultural, education, tourism and trade links between Taiwan and Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states, six South Asian countries, Australia and New Zealand. (KWS-E)

Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw