Taiwan–Philippines ties highlighted as TAPh marks 20 years in Manila

Taiwan–Philippines relations took center stage as the Taiwanese Association of the Philippines marked its 20th anniversary with a grand luncheon on 1 February 2026, highlighting two decades of growing people-to-people ties between Taiwan and the Philippines.

The celebration was led by Chia-ching Hsu, minister of Taiwan’s Overseas Community Affairs Council, who headed the Taiwanese delegation and joined overseas Taiwanese residents in commemorating TAPh’s years of community service, unity and civic engagement.

The event drew prominent guests from both Taiwan and the Philippines, reflecting the strength and cohesion of the Taiwanese community in the country. Senior Taiwanese officials and elected representatives in attendance included Wen-chieh Liang, legislators Chu-yin Lin and Jie Huang, New Taipei City Councilor Wei-shan Dai, and Taichung City Councilor Chih-chang Shih.

In his remarks, TAPh President Tomas Pai paid tribute to the association’s founding leaders and past officers, reaffirming TAPh’s commitment to unity, expanded community services and youth development. He emphasized the importance of nurturing the next generation to ensure the long-term strength of the Taiwanese community in the Philippines.

Speaking on behalf of founding president Hsieh Shih-ying, Jack Hsieh reflected on TAPh’s early years and encouraged younger members to carry forward the spirit of solidarity, mutual support and social responsibility that has defined the association since its establishment.

Wallace M.G. Chow, ambassador of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines, highlighted the growing momentum in Taiwan–Philippines relations, citing expanded cooperation in trade, agriculture, investment and people-to-people exchanges. He described TAPh as both a home for overseas Taiwanese and a platform for grassroots diplomacy that strengthens bilateral friendship.

Hsu also expressed appreciation for TAPh’s long-standing collaboration with the Taiwanese government in advancing overseas community affairs, noting that the association’s steady growth has been anchored on leadership continuity and a strong culture of unity. She added that overseas Taiwanese communities have embodied the spirit of “Taiwan Can Help” through sustained involvement in charity and public welfare initiatives.

Philippine House of Representatives Secretary General Cheloy E. Velicaria-Garafil commended the Taiwanese community for its contributions to Philippine development, particularly in economic cooperation, education and social welfare. She said these efforts have deepened mutual understanding between Filipinos and Taiwanese, and expressed gratitude for recently receiving Taiwan’s Order of the Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon.

Wilson U. Tecson, director of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office, underscored TAPh’s role in promoting sustained people-to-people exchanges over the past two decades, laying a solid foundation for closer bilateral cooperation.

The celebration opened with lion and dragon dance performances, followed by the national anthems of Taiwan and the Philippines. A commemorative video tracing TAPh’s 20-year journey was also shown, highlighting its efforts to support overseas Taiwanese, integrate into Philippine society and give back through community service.

More than 300 guests attended the event, which concluded in a warm and festive atmosphere celebrating two decades of partnership, friendship and shared aspirations between Taiwan and the Philippines.