2026 ties fly

The Taiwanese business and overseas community in the Philippines raised their flag on New Year’s Day in Carmona, Cavite, signaling the growing influence of Taiwan in local economic and diplomatic affairs.

Around 200 participants gathered at the Taiwanese Chamber of the South Philippines clubhouse, including business leaders, community representatives, volunteers from Taiwan’s Overseas Community Affairs Council.

Taiwanese Ambassador to the Philippines Wallace Chow said the ceremony reflected “significant progress” in bilateral relations over the past year and expressed optimism that economic, trade, people-to-people exchanges would continue to expand in 2026.

“The past year saw expanded official exchanges, visa-free entry for Taiwanese visitors, and investment missions to Subic, Clark, and Metro Manila,” Chow said. “These initiatives provide a solid foundation for deeper cooperation in manufacturing, logistics, agriculture and technology.”

Jeff Yu, president of the Taiwanese Chamber of the South Philippines, emphasized the community’s long-standing presence in southern Luzon.

Taiwanese businesses have operated there for two to three decades, contributing to local economic growth while navigating global economic challenges with resilience, he said.

Representatives of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, volunteer delegates from Taiwan’s OCAC, leaders from Fil-Chi business and community organizations also attended the ceremony, highlighting the community’s active role in fostering Taiwan–Philippines ties.

The event combined formal speeches with quiet interactions, reflecting the dual nature of the community’s influence: economic and cultural, local and international.

By the end of the ceremony, the flag was raised, a reminder of the steadily expanding bilateral relationship between two republics.