Taiwan donates US$200,000 to help Cebu rebuild after deadly quake

Manila, Oct. 14 (CNA) Taiwan's government on Tuesday donated US$200,000 to the Philippines to support post-earthquake relief and recovery efforts, following a powerful magnitude-6.9 quake that struck Cebu Province late last month, killing at least 72 people and injuring 559 others.

The donation was presented earlier Tuesday by Taiwan's representative to the Philippines, Wallace Chow (周民淦), to Cherbett Maralit, deputy resident representative of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO), at Taiwan's representative office in Manila. MECO represents Manila's interests in Taipei in the absence of official diplomatic ties.

In his remarks, Chow expressed his concern for those affected by the magnitude-6.9 earthquake that struck the central Philippines on the night of Sept. 30.

"We sincerely hope for the earliest possible return to normalcy for those affected by the disaster, and for a swift recovery and restoration of the affected areas," he said.

"Taiwan is willing to strengthen cooperation with the Philippines on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) to better respond to natural disasters in both our countries. Let us stand united, and together we will overcome the challenges that lie ahead," he added.

Maralit and Kevin Dinsay, legal counsel in the Office of the Cebu Governor, both expressed gratitude for Taiwan's donation and said the funds would be used for reconstruction in the affected areas.

Dinsay told CNA after the ceremony that Cebu is working to rebuild following the devastating earthquake, which damaged or destroyed more than 36,000 buildings.

He said the Cebu government is focusing on restoring infrastructure such as roads, bridges and harbors.