Philippines appoints new representative to Taiwan

Taipei, Oct. 29 (CNA) The Philippines has named Corazon A. Padiernos, a dedicated women's rights advocate, as its new representative to Taipei, saying she will lead its efforts to strengthen bilateral ties with Taiwan.

In a statement issued late Tuesday, the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) said Padiernos will serve as its new chairperson and resident representative.

Prior to her appointment, Padiernos had been on the MECO board of directors, overseeing the office's tourism and agriculture sectors, according to the statement.

"MECO warmly welcomes Chairperson Padiernos and looks forward to her leadership in further strengthening the partnership and people-to-people ties between the Philippines and Taiwan," said the office, which represents Manila's interests in Taipei in the absence of official diplomatic ties.

Padiernos is known as an "advocate for women's empowerment" and has supported initiatives that promote gender equity, through her leadership role at the Zonta Club of De Valle Verde, the Philippines chapter of Zonta International, a global organization of professionals dedicated to empowering women and girls through service and advocacy, the office said.

Padiernos succeeds Cheloy E. Velicaria-Garafil, a former press secretary to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who was appointed as head of MECO in October 2024.

Last month, Garafil was named as the new secretary general of the House of Representatives of the Philippines, succeeding Reginald Velasco.