The 2025 Project Ligaya’s Taiwan Day event took place in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, and Bay, Laguna on Feb. 21 and 22, 2025, respectively.
Organized by Shirleen Hsieh, recipient of the 2024 Overseas Goodwill Ambassador award from Taiwan, the event was supported by the Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC), Taiwan Association Philippines (TAP), Taiwan Association Philippines Youth Chapter (TAPYC), and Thick and Thin Agri-Product Inc. (Atlas Feeds).
The initiative aimed to bring happiness to Filipino children while sharing the rich culture of Taiwan.
The event also sought to foster a deeper appreciation for Taiwanese culture and inspire children to explore future educational and career opportunities in Taiwan.
Taiwanese volunteers guided the children through hands-on activities such as lantern-making, Lunar New Year calligraphy, folk games and Taiwanese snack tasting.
The children also received school supplies, gifts and other essential items.
A total of 150 children, ranging from kindergarten to grade 6, from Religious Missionaries of the Divine Savior (RMDS) in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan joined the event.
About 40 orphans from the Rose of Sharon Center in Barangay Puypuy, Bay, Laguna also enjoyed the cultural activities and received treats.
Eric Chuang, director of the Cultural Center of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO), Tom Lin, president of the Taiwanese Association Philippines (TAP), and Frenny Lee, TAP counseling president, participated in the event and highlighted the strong friendship between Taiwan and the Philippines, as well as the significance of cultural exchange.
Mother Fatima, representative of the Religious Missionaries of the Divine Savior (RMDS) , and Christine Galvez, executive director of the Visions of Hope Foundation (VOHF), emphasized the value of community support and how exposure to diverse cultures can inspire children to dream big.
Hsieh expressed gratitude to the volunteers and donors, noting that the initiative not only brings joy but also leaves a lasting impact on the children, encouraging them to dream beyond their current situation.
Now in its second year, Project Ligaya continues to strengthen the bond between Taiwan and the Philippines by reaching more communities.
The program’s first outreach took place in 2024 at Bahay at Yaman ni San Martin De Porres Inc. in Bustos, Bulacan, benefiting around 200 children from five orphanages.