MANILA, Philippines – Taiwan is donating USD 200,000 (approximately PHP 11 million) in humanitarian aid for communities affected by the 6.9 magnitude earthquake that hit northern parts of Cebu last 30 September 2025.
In a news release, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office of the Philippines (TECO) said that it officially turned over the donation to representatives of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO).
Deputy Resident Representative Cherbett Karen L. Maralit, MECO, together with the representative from Cebu Provincial Government, accepted the donation on behalf of the Cebu Government, TECO stated.
In his remarks during the turnover ceremony, TECO representative Wallace Minn-Gan Chow extended Taiwan’s message of condolences to those affected by the earthquake.
“Representative Chow extended heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families and those affected by the devastating earthquake, and sincerely hoped for the earliest possible return to normalcy for those afflicted by the disaster and for the speedy recovery and restoration for the affected regions,” TECO shared.
Meanwhile, Deputy Resident Representative Maralit and the representative from Cebu Provincial Government expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Republic of China (Taiwan) for their generosity and camaraderie on behalf of the Philippines.
Data from the Philippines’ NDRRMC reveal that more than 70 individuals were reportedly killed due to the earthquake, while injuring hundreds.
On October 1, Taiwan activated their international humanitarian rescue response mechanism and remained on standby, ready for deployment once the Philippine government requested for assistance from Taiwan.
(Photo courtesy of TECO)
“As one of the closest neighbors of the Philippines, Taiwan stands ready to extend any support and assistance [the] Cebu government may need for the recovery and relief efforts,” TECO mentioned.
“In the face of challenges brought by earthquakes, typhoons, and extreme weather, Taiwan wishes to strengthen cooperation with the Philippines on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR) to better respond to natural disasters,” TECO added.
