A group of Taiwanese donors held Project Ligaya, a charity event led by Shirleen Hsieh, a delegate for the 2024 International Youth Goodwill Ambassador of the Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC), at Bahay at Yaman ni San Martin De Porres Inc. in Bustos, Bulacan on July 6, 2024.
The event aimed to spread love and charity, promote Taiwanese culture, leave a lasting impression on the children, inspire them to explore educational and work opportunities in Taiwan and help them build a brighter future through cross-cultural exchanges.
“We want to give back to the community. We’ve received many donations, and we hope to make this an annual event so we can continue helping,” Hsieh said.
About 200 children from Willing Hearts Orphanage Inc., Bethany House Sto. Niño Orphanage, Philippine Children’s Mission, Bahay at Yaman ni San Martin De Porres Inc. and Nazareth Home for Children enjoyed a day filled with traditional Taiwanese activities.
They made Taiwanese lanterns, played night market games and enjoyed Taiwanese snacks and cultural toys.
Aside from the activities for the children, Project Ligaya also provided the five orphanages with P50,000 each, as well as electric fans, mosquito repellents, tissue rolls and laundry detergents.
Minister Dustin Yang of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines (TECO) emphasized the importance of strengthening the relationship between Taiwan and the Philippines and expressed hope that the children might have the opportunity to study or work in Taiwan when they grow up.
“From the bottom of our hearts and with a willingness to share, we want to do something for the local Filipino community,“ Yang said.
Bulacan Governor Daniel Ramirez Fernando sent his words of appreciation and support for the event. Also in attendance were Manila Economic Cultural Office (MECO) director Tomas Guno and Hermosa, Bataan Mayor Antonio Joseph Inton.
Project Ligaya was made possible by the generous contributions of nearly 80 Taiwanese donors from around the world, and the dedicated efforts of 100 volunteers from both the local and Taiwanese communities in the Philippines.
The event was co-organized by the Taiwan Association Philippines (TAP), Taiwanese Compatriot Association in the Philippines (TCAP), Taiwan Manufacturers Association of the Northern Philippines, Taiwan–Philippines Educational Development Foundation, Taiwan Association Philippines Youth Chapter (TAPYC), Valenzuela Host Lions Club and Thick and Thin Agri-Product Inc. (Atlas Feeds).
