VIGAN CITY (PIA) - The city government here received a USD100,000 or approximately PHP5.7 million donation from Taiwan, through its Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines (TECO).

This will be used as an additional fund for the repair of damaged cultural and historical structures here after the magnitude 7.0 earthquake last July 27.

TECO Rep. Peiyung Hsu turned over the donation to City Mayor Jose Singson, Jr. and Ilocos Sur Governor Jeremias Singson, along with Vice Mayor Randy Singson, and city councilors on Monday.

“We assure you that this generous donation will be put to good use. This is the start of the long and productive relationship between the city of Vigan and Taiwan,” Mayor Singson said in his message.

Governor Singson also committed to a harmonious relationship between the province of Ilocos Sur and Taiwan to achieve oneness.

“On behalf of the people of Ilocos Sur, I would like to express our warmest appreciation to the government of Taiwan for this assistance to the city government of Vigan. May this gesture forge more partnership in the future of both our interests, especially looking after the welfare of the Taiwanese community in our province and the people of Ilocos Sur in your country,” he said.

According to the latest report of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the total estimated infrastructure damage in the Ilocos Region alone is more than P1.42 billion.

In his message, Representative Hsu assured a stronger relationship between Taiwan and the country, and more collaborations in various sectors.

“As the closest neighbor of the Philippines, Taiwan wishes to contribute with this donation to the maintenance of public safety, heritage conservation, and post-pandemic economic recovery of this beautiful city. Taiwan will also continue to further strengthen the foundation of disaster prevention with the Philippines,” Representative Hsu said.

“I do hope to see more tourists coming to this beautiful city to share the history and culture of the Philippines. Thank you for your invitation. I really enjoyed my stay here,” Representative Hsu added. (JCR/JPD/JMCQ, PIA Ilocos Sur)