The Taiwanese Association of the Philippines, led by its president Tomas Pai, hosted a Dragon Boat Festival celebration on June 1, 2025 at Gloria Maris Restaurant in Greenhills, San Juan City.
The Federation of Filipino-Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce (FFTCC) was also officially launched during the event.
Around 500 attendees participated in the celebration, highlighting the strong bond between Taiwan and the Philippines and the unity of the Taiwanese community.
Pai said the Dragon Boat Festival is a meaningful occasion for reunion among Taiwanese people.
He also announced that the Taiwanese Association of the Philippines recently rejoined the World Federation of Taiwanese Associations (WFTA).
Pai shared his aspiration for the Philippines to one day host the WFTA global presidency.
Taiwan’s Representative to the Philippines Wallace Minn-Gan Chow lauded Pai for his leadership and dedication to uniting the community.
Chow congratulated the launch of the FFTCC and expressed optimism that the new federation would play a key role in enhancing Taiwan-Philippines trade and economic cooperation.
Legislator Tsai Chi-Chang encouraged overseas Taiwanese entrepreneurs to balance business success with soft diplomacy.
Legislator Lin Chu-yin, visiting the Philippines for the first time, was moved by the kindness of the Filipino-Taiwanese community and said it was one of the nicest overseas events she had ever attended.
In her speech, Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) Chairperson Atty. Cheloy Garafil commended the longstanding friendship between Taiwan and the Philippines and thanked the Taiwanese community for their continued support of local Filipino causes.
She expressed interest in fostering cooperation between business groups in both countries, aiming to create new avenues for bilateral engagement.
Andrew Liang, former president of the Taiwanese Association of the Philippines, was inducted as the chairman of the FFTCC.
In his speech, he outlined the federation’s core priorities: promoting investment, supporting members through training and mentorship, and implementing social welfare initiatives to benefit both the Taiwanese and Filipino communities.
Liang said the federation would do its best to improve Taiwan-Philippines relations, assist Taiwanese businessmen, and bring the two communities closer together.
Plaque of appreciation was also awarded to Simon Su, newly appointed member of the Overseas Community Affairs Council, in recognition of his contributions to philanthropy and education. Su was especially commended for his support of underprivileged Filipino students pursuing studies in Taiwan.
Other distinguished guests included Taipei City Councilor Hung Wan-Jen, New Taipei City Councilor Tai Wei-Shan, Taichung City Councilor Shih Chih-Chang, and former Taichung Deputy Mayor Chen Ta-Chun.
Also present were Overseas Community Affairs Council Commissioners Ya-Hui Huang, Jaime Tan, Yi-Ho Hsieh; former association president Kuo-Chen Wu; Supervisory Chair Chun-Ting Wu; MECO board members Wilson Tecson and Tomas Macalinga Guno; Anti-Red Tape Authority Secretary Ernesto Perez; BFAR Director Elizer S. Salilig; TECO Minister Michael Ting-Sheng Lee and Director Emilu Shao; and Director Eric Po-Chih Chuang and Deputy Director Benjamin Chung-Wei Liang of the Culture Center of TECO in the Philippines.
