Taiwan donated US$500,000 to the Philippines Dec. 22 in support of relief and reconstruction efforts following Typhoon Rai, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The extreme weather event, which impacted the central and southern regions—including Mindanao and Visayas islands—triggered severe flooding and landslides, the MOFA said, adding that it is estimated to have claimed at least 375 lives.
Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu, who presented the donation to Wilfredo B. Fernandez, chairman and resident representative of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office, conveyed his condolences and sympathies on behalf of the government and people of Taiwan.
The countries are close friends with deep people-to-people exchanges, Wu said. This donation is expected to help families get back on their feet and fast-track rebuilding of damaged housing and infrastructure, he added.
In response, Fernandez expressed his gratitude for Taiwan’s timely and generous gesture. The donation will assist the government of the Philippines in allocating resources to hard-hit areas as soon as possible, he added.
The government maintains friendly ties with the Philippines, the MOFA said, citing the presence of 150,000 nationals from the Southeast Asian country in Taiwan. Going forward, the government will continue standing with its regional partner in overcoming related challenges while expanding cooperation for the well-being of people, the ministry added.
In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the MOFA said: “Bouncing back from natural disasters demands #AllHandsOnDeck. Minister Wu maintained the momentum of #Taiwan’s support for the #Philippines following Super #TyphoonRai with a donation of US$500K on behalf of the government to MECO Chairman Fernandez. We’re #StrongerTogether!” (YCH-E)
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