In a vibrant celebration of diplomacy and friendship, Ambassador Wallace Minn-Gan Chow, Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines, hosted a grand reception on October 9, 2025 to mark the 114th National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan). The event, held in Manila, welcomed over 600 guests, including high-ranking Philippine government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives from the business, academic, and media sectors.
Among the distinguished guests were House of Representatives Secretary General Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil, CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis, Deputy Speaker Janette Garin, former National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, former Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, former Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual, and Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) Directors Rose Marie Arenas and Wilson Tecson, among others.
In his keynote address, Ambassador Chow highlighted Taiwan’s globally recognized achievements over the past year and celebrated the growing partnership between Taiwan and the Philippines. He expressed appreciation for the Philippine government’s recent decision to grant 14-day visa-free entry to Taiwanese travelers beginning July 2025 — a warm gesture that echoes Taiwan’s visa-free policy for Filipinos, in place since 2017.
Ambassador Chow also spotlighted the landmark visit of Taiwan’s largest-ever Investment and Trade Delegation to the Philippines last August, comprising leaders from vital industries such as ICT, semiconductors, green energy, and smart agriculture. The delegation aimed to enhance cooperation under the Taiwan-Philippines Economic Corridor, which links with the Luzon Economic Corridor to create a dynamic cross-border economic zone connecting southern Taiwan and northern Luzon.
“With Taiwan’s technological strengths and the Philippines’ abundant talent pool, we are confident that this cooperation will foster secure, ‘non-red’ global supply chains that advance innovation while upholding democratic values,” Ambassador Chow stated.
The Ambassador also welcomed President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s reaffirmation of the Philippines’ commitment to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, expressed during an August statement. He noted that this support underscores the deepening political and people-to-people ties between the two nations, united by geographical proximity and democratic principles.
While celebrating Taiwan’s National Day, Ambassador Chow also addressed shared regional security concerns. He warned of the Chinese Communist Party’s increasing use of “gray-zone” tactics — such as economic coercion, disinformation campaigns, and historical distortion — to undermine democracies in the Indo-Pacific, including both Taiwan and the Philippines.
He specifically cited China’s misrepresentation of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758, falsely claiming it authorizes China to represent Taiwan in the United Nations. In truth, he clarified, the resolution solely addresses China’s representation and does not grant sovereignty over Taiwan nor deny Taiwan’s right to participate in the UN system.
As the Philippines continues to recover from the recent 6.9-magnitude earthquake in Cebu Province, Taiwan’s solidarity was made clear. Ambassador Chow announced a donation of US$200,000 to aid recovery efforts, to be delivered via MECO to the Cebu provincial government. He emphasized that this donation marks just the first phase of Taiwan’s humanitarian assistance, with further aid to follow.
Warm messages from Philippine leaders further reinforced the strong bilateral relationship. MECO Officer-in-Charge Director Corazon Padiernos sent her congratulations via a pre-recorded video message, while Senator Risa Hontiveros expressed gratitude for Taiwan’s swift response to the Cebu earthquake and reaffirmed her unwavering support for Taiwan-Philippines friendship.
The evening featured a cultural performance by Taiwan’s internationally renowned Longtan Philharmonic Orchestra, blending Hakka musical heritage with a heartfelt rendition of the Filipino classic Anak. The celebration concluded in a spirit of warmth and camaraderie, affirming the enduring ties between two democratic neighbors committed to mutual growth, peace, and shared prosperity.