Hsinchu County Government joins hands with Manila Economic and Cultural Office to celebrate the Filipino Christmas

With Christmas approaching, the Hsinchu County Government and the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) recently collaborated to organize the "2023 PASKONG PINOY" Christmas event for the Filipino new immigrants and migrant workers in the county. This event aims to allow Filipino friends who cannot return to their homeland for the holidays to experience a warm and traditional Christmas celebration in Taiwan.

Wei Wen-yuan, the director of Public Information Department of Hsinchu County Government, delivered a speech on behalf of Magistrate Yang Wen-ke, welcoming Filipino friends to celebrate Christmas together in Hsinchu County. She expressed gratitude to the Filipino students, migrant workers, and families living in Hsinchu, acknowledging their contributions to Hsinchu's economy, industries, and families.

Wei Wen-yuan emphasized that Hsinchu is not only the hometown of semiconductor industries in Taiwan but also an inclusive city with diverse culture and is well-known for its hospitality. Christmas is a time for sharing joy and love with family and friends. The joint organization of the 2023 PASKONG PINOY event by Hsinchu County Government and MECO demonstrates their care and support for the Filipino community in Taiwan, emphasizing the unity and warmth of celebrating the holiday season.

Silvestre H. Bello III, the Chairman and Resident Representative of MECO, expressed gratitude for the support from the Hsinchu County Government and extended warm greetings to the Filipino community in Taiwan. He invited everyone to celebrate PASKONG PINOY (Filipino Christmas) together, aiming to unite the Filipino immigrants in Taiwan through this joyful celebration, preserving Filipino traditions and spirit while fostering a warm and happy Christmas celebration in Taiwan.

The Labor Affairs Department of Hsinchu County Government stated that as of the end of September this year, there were approximately 36,000 foreign migrant workers in Hsinchu County, with around 14,425 of them being from the Philippines. This includes 13,812 industrial workers and 613 social welfare workers, accounting for 47% of the total migrant workers in Hsinchu County, making the Philippines the largest source of migrant workers in the county.

MECO holds the Filipino Christmas event in Taiwan every December, which is the most important annual event organized by MECO for the Filipino immigrants. To show the county government's appreciation for the new immigrants and migrant workers and to promote their sense of belonging in Hsinchu County, the government provided special support for this significant annual event, including assistance with venue rental and funding.