The Taiwanese Association of the Philippines (TAPh) marked its 20th anniversary on Feb. 1, 2026 at Gloria Maris Shark’s Fin Restaurant Greenhills in San Juan City, highlighting the expanding ties between Taiwan and the Philippines.
More than 300 people participated in the event, which celebrated two decades of community service, unity and civic engagement. Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) Minister Chia-ching Hsu led a Taiwanese delegation to join local residents for the commemoration.
The gathering featured several senior Taiwanese officials, including Mainland Affairs Council Deputy Minister Wen-chieh Liang, legislators Chu-yin Lin and Jie Huang, New Taipei City Councilor Wei-shan Dai and Taichung City Councilor Chih-chang Shih.
TAPh president Tomas Pai paid tribute to the association’s founding leaders and past officers while reiterating the group’s commitment to unity, expanded community services and youth development.
“The association remains committed to sustaining the community’s future in the Philippines,” Pai said, citing the importance of passing traditions to the next generation.
Speaking for founding president Shih-ying Hsieh, Jack Hsieh reflected on the early years of the organization and urged younger members to continue traditions of solidarity, mutual support and social responsibility.
Taipei Economic and Cultural Office Representative Wallace Chow cited growing momentum in bilateral relations, noting increased cooperation in trade, agriculture, investment and people-to-people exchanges. He described the association as both a community hub and a platform for grassroots diplomacy.
Hsu lauded the group’s collaboration with the Taiwanese government, crediting leadership continuity and a culture of unity for steady growth. She said overseas communities have demonstrated the “Taiwan Can Help” spirit through charity and public-welfare initiatives.
Philippine House of Representatives Secretary General Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil commended the Taiwanese community for contributions to Philippine development in economic cooperation, education and social welfare.
Manila Economic and Cultural Office director Wilson Tecson highlighted 20 years of promoting exchanges, which he said have built a strong basis for closer Taiwan–Philippines relations and wider future cooperation.
