The government is set to donate US$200,000 to assist the Philippines with reconstruction efforts post Typhoon Vamco, according to the MOFA Nov. 13. (Staff photo/Pang Chia-shan)
 

Taiwan will donate US$200,000 in disaster relief to the Philippines following Typhoon Vamco, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Nov. 13.

The powerful storm was the third to hit the Southeast Asian country over the past three weeks after Molave and Goni and left a trail of destruction on the island of Luzon, causing severe flooding in Manila and claiming at least 13 lives, the MOFA said.

On behalf of Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu, Larry R. L. Tseng, director-general of MOFA’s Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, offered the government’s heartfelt sympathy to Angelito Tan Banayo, head of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei, the ministry said.

In addition to the pledged donation, Taiwan stands ready to offer further assistance to the Philippines during reconstruction efforts, the ministry added.

In response, Banayo thanked Taiwan’s government and people for the generosity, adding that his government will remain in close contact with the MOFA.

Taiwan has maintained friendly ties with the Philippines for decades, with the two sides concluding a memorandum of understanding on combating human trafficking last month in Manila. The MOFA said the government will keep a close eye on developments in the partner country and take additional measures as necessary. (SFC-E)