On April 30, Cheloy Garafil, Chairperson and Resident Representative of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO), paid an official visit to New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih. The two exchanged views on topics including economic and trade development, labor issues, and Taiwan–Philippines relations.

Mayor Hou noted that during his service at the Criminal Investigation Bureau, he once traveled to the Philippines for an investigation, where he received invaluable assistance from Filipino friends—something he still deeply appreciates today. He added that New Taipei City’s Labor Affairs Department and MECO have jointly celebrated Philippine Independence Day for 11 consecutive years, underscoring the close and friendly ties between Taiwan and the Philippines. Currently, nearly 30,000 Filipino migrant workers and new immigrants reside in New Taipei City, making significant contributions to the region’s economic development.

Mayor Hou emphasized that New Taipei is committed to building a friendly and inclusive environment, where Filipino friends can live and work with peace of mind. He warmly invited Chairperson Garafil to visit New Taipei more often and experience its natural beauty, while also expressing hope for continued exchanges between New Taipei and cities in the Philippines.

Chairperson Cheloy Garafil (left), Resident Representative of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office, pays an official visit to New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih.

Chairperson Garafil remarked that since taking office in October last year, she has deeply felt the support that New Taipei extends to Filipinos and Filipino-related events in Taiwan. She made the visit to personally express her gratitude. She also expressed hope for more opportunities to explore New Taipei’s culture, cuisine, and scenic spots. She extended an invitation to Mayor Hou to attend the 2025 Fun Run Joint Philippine Independence and Migrant Workers’ Day Celebration, which will be held on June 15 at New Taipei Metropolitan Park in Sanchong District.

Attending the meeting were Cherbett Karen L. Maralit, Deputy Resident Representative of MECO; Atty. Cesar L. Chavez, Jr., Director of Migrant Workers Services, Taipei Office; Atty. Evangeline Q. de Leon, Corporate Secretary & Executive Officer; Ruth Roselynn C. Vibar, Deputy Director of Migrant Workers Services (Welfare); and Jennifer T. Reyes, Technical Specialist. On behalf of the New Taipei City Government, Deputy Secretary-General Ke Ching-chung, Wang Bing-cheng, Deputy Director-General of the Secretariat; Hu Tai-hua, Deputy Commissioner of the Labor Affairs Department; and Lai Yen-heng, Chief of the Foreign Workers Service Division, joined Mayor Hou in receiving the guests.