Taiwan donated US$500,000 to the Philippines, assisting in recovery from the devastation brought by Super Typhoon Rai

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Taiwan government donated US$500,000 to the Philippines on December 22 to assist in the recovery of the Southeast Asian country from the devastation brought by Super Typhoon Rai.

The tropical cyclone which hit the central and southern Philippines, including the islands of Mindanao and Visayas, caused major flooding and landslides with at least 375 people killed.

Chairman and Resident Representative of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office Wilfredo B. Fernandez received the donation on behalf of his country from Taiwan's Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) in a ceremony arranged in Taipei. Wu conveyed condolences on behalf of Taiwan's government.

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Taiwan government donated US$500,000 to the Philippines. (Photo / Provided by Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines)

According to a statement from the Philippine Foreign Ministry, the money will be used to provide resources to individuals in need in the country's central and southern regions.

According to Philippine News Agency, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte announced a "state of calamity" in six districts affected by typhoon Odette: Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, and Caraga.

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Taiwan government donated US$500,000 to the Philippines to assist in the recovery. (Photo / Provided by Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines)

The Taiwan government will maintain friendly relations with the Philippines, noting the presence of 150,000 Filipinos in Taiwan. Moreover, the government will continue to support its regional partner in addressing related issues in the future, while also expanding partnership for people's well-being.