Thousands of Philippine nationals gathered in Banqiao Stadium in New Taipei City yesterday to celebrate the Philippines Independence Day with the city’s mayor and the de facto Philippine ambassador.
The Philippines celebrated its 126th Independence Day on Wednesday last week, and New Taipei Labor Affairs Department and the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) in Taiwan cohosted a belated celebration that was attended by Filipino expats in Taiwan.
Several events were held, including a cheerleader competition, a basketball competition and performances by bands, followed by an appearance by renowned Filipino singer-songwriter and actress Julie Anne San Jose.
Photo: Tung Kuan-yi, Taipei Times
The event was also attended by New Taipei City Mayor Hou You-yi (侯友宜), MECO Chairman Silvestre H. Bello III, and other dignitaries, including Philippine Senator Francis Tolentino.
In his speech at the event, Bello thanked the New Taipei City government on behalf the Filipino population in Taiwan, which exceeds 150,000 people.
Bello said he was also grateful to be celebrating the Philippines’ 126th independence anniversary with people in Taiwan.
Hou praised Filipinos for their social and economic contributions to Taiwan, adding that 12,440 of the 98,748 migrant workers in New Taipei City are from the Philippines.
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