The hardships of victims of the magnitude 7 earthquake that hit Abra province on 27 July will be eased with the US$200,000 donation of Taiwan to the Philippine Government on Wednesday.
Taipei Economic and Cultural Office Representative Peiyung Hsu turned over the cheque to Manila Economic and Cultural Office Chairman and Resident Representative Silvestre Bello III, on behalf of the Philippine Government.
Abra Governor Dominic Valera and Bangued, Abra Mayor Mila Valera witnessed the handover ceremony.
As Valera thanked the Taiwanese government for its donation, he said his constituents will rise from the aftermath of the earthquake.
“With the help of the donation from Taiwan, many people will rise again and go back to normal. We would like to say thank you to the government of Taiwan… I know we cannot repay you but thank you so much,” Valera said.
He added: “As of now, the people of Abra will be happy and I am sure that Abra will rise again.”
Ambassador Hsu said both Taiwan and the Philippines are battered by natural disasters like typhoons and earthquakes which is why Taiwan always extends help to the latter.
“The people of Taiwan always try to extend their helping hand to the people of the Philippines… Not because they are our neighbors. Taiwan also suffers from the same natural disasters like typhoons and earthquakes,” he said.
Bello thanked the Taiwanese government for their benevolence and care for the Philippines.
“President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and the people of the Philippines truly appreciate this genuine gesture of benevolence and care of the Taiwanese government. For that, I thank Ambassador Hsu and the government of Taiwan,” he said.
Bello said he is optimistic about improving relations between the Philippines and Taiwan, particularly on economy and trade.
“I always expect better, great economic and social relations with Taiwan. I am very optimistic about having fruitful relations with Taiwan. In my stint as Chairman, we will go to improve our partnership between the Philippines and Taiwan,” he added.