By Faith Argosino
The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines recently donated some P5 million ($100,000) to the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) for the victims of Typhoon Tisoy in Sorsogon, citing Taiwan’s long-standing friendship with Gov. Francis “Chiz” Escudero and the people of the province as its main inspiration.
The check hand-over ceremony was held at the TECO office in Makati, where TECO Representative Michael Peiyung Hsu handed the donation to MECO vice-chairman Gilberto Lauengco and Escudero, who was also present at the ceremony.
“He [Escudero] is a true friend of Taiwan, so when there’s a need in the province of Sorsogon, we are glad to offer our help to return the friendship and long-time support from him,” said Hsu.
Escudero said that Tisoy, which hit Sorsogon in December last year, affected more than 60,000 families and left P2.6 billion in damages. Together with Lauengco, the former senator and current governor of Sorsogon personally received the donation at the TECO office in Makati and expressed his gratitude for the donation, which he said will boost the rebuilding of industries in Sorsogon.
Typhoon Tisoy, also known as “Kammuri,” made its landfall on Southern Luzon last December. The typhoon’s eyewall, according to Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), brought violent winds and intense rains over Northern Samar, Catanduanes, Albay, Camarines Sur and Sorsogon.
Still, the province has taken steady steps in terms of rehabilitation. Escudero said that most roads in Sorsogon are now passable and electricity service has already been almost restored.
“I know that reconstruction and work is underway, we do hope to see the people in Sorsogon province get back to their normal life pretty soon under the leadership of Governor Escudero,” said Hsu, who also added that Buddhist Tzu-Chi Foundation, Philippines also distributed cash, rice and blankets from Taiwan to the victims.
