Taiwan Donates $200,000 to Aid Philippines Reconstruction After Magnitude 7.8 Earthquake

Taipei, July 3 (CNA) The government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) announced today a donation of US$200,000 to the Philippine government to assist with reconstruction and disaster relief efforts in areas affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao in June.

The donation ceremony was held at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines, with Representative to the Philippines Zhou Min-tien representing the donor and Cherbett Karen Maralit, a director of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO), accepting the aid on behalf of the Philippines.

Zhou Min-tien conveyed condolences from the Taiwanese government and people to the earthquake victims in Mindanao. He stated that Taiwan and the Philippines, being geographically close and facing similar threats from natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons, can deeply empathize with each other's difficulties and challenges.

He also recalled Super Typhoon Hika (樺加沙) in September 2025, which caused severe damage in Guangfu Township, Hualien County. At that time, hundreds of Filipino migrant workers in Taiwan joined the "Shovel Superman" volunteer group to help clear mud in the disaster areas, fully demonstrating the spirit of mutual assistance and cooperation between the Taiwanese and Filipino people, as well as their deep friendship of sharing weal and woe.

Zhou Min-tien added that the ROC government's donation of US$200,000 (approximately NT$6.4 million) not only provides crucial humanitarian aid and support for post-disaster reconstruction but also symbolizes the continued deepening of the partnership between Taiwan and the Philippines. Taiwan will continue to strengthen cooperation and exchange with the Philippines in humanitarian aid and disaster prevention and response.

Chang Zhe-jia, president of the Subic Bay Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce, also attended and, on behalf of the association, donated 360,000 pesos (approximately NT$190,000), demonstrating the care and support of the Taiwanese overseas Chinese and business communities for the Filipino people through practical action.

Maralit, representing the Filipino people, expressed gratitude to the Taiwanese government and people, stating that the resources will be used appropriately, prioritizing those most in need.

Officials from the Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council were also present to witness the donation ceremony.

The magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao on June 8 resulted in 88 deaths, 24 missing persons, over a thousand injuries, and affected as many as 1.67 million people. The damage to infrastructure alone is estimated to be around NT$720 million, indicating the severity of the disaster.

In addition to Taiwan, the Philippine government has also received aid from countries including Australia, China, Japan, Malaysia, and the United Arab Emirates. (Edited by Tang Sheng-yang) 1150703

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