To date, the Philippines has over 385,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19. To show support to the Philippines during these hard times, Tainan donated 1,000 protective goggles and 500 face shields to its sister city, Cavite City. With the assistance of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines, Deputy Representative Joy Yen delivered the PPE to Cavite City Mayor Bernardo Paredes on behalf of Tainan City. Taiwanese ex-pats in the Philippines also joined in the effort, with the Philippine Cavite Taiwan Association and Taiwanese Compatriot Association in the Philippines (TCAP) each donating 10,000 face masks to Cavite City. These transnational efforts ensure that pragmatic resources and aid are provided to the Philippines.
Tainan City Mayor Huang Wei-che stated that this year marks the 40th anniversary of the sister city alliance between Tainan City and Cavite City, which was officially formed in 1980. Although the pandemic has obstructed visits and celebrations, Tainan still shows its support for safeguarding the health of Cavite citizens by sharing resources, which is an invaluable approach to commemorating the friendship between the two cities. Mayor Huang anticipates that the friendship between Tainan City and Cavite City can be further reinforced through solidarity and mutual assistance.
Mayor Huang also thanked Councilor Lu Wei-yin and the Golden Castle Junior Chamber for supplying protective goggles for Tainan City Government to utilize. In light of the disease prevention demands in the Philippines, the city government decided to also donate face shields, which then inspired the Philippine Cavite Taiwan Association and TCAP to join in the effort. Having a small act of kindness blossom into such a remarkable operation bears deep meaning for city diplomacy. Mayor Huang also paid special thanks to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and TECO in the Philippines for coordinating and making this possible.
Mayor Paredes led many municipal officials in receiving the donations. Upon giving his remarks, Mayor Paredes first thanked Tainan City and Mayor Huang for donating PPE to Cavite City, after which he expressed an interest in leading a municipal delegation to visit Tainan in the future and to enhance bilateral city exchange and collaborations.