CITY OF ILAGAN, Isabela (PIA) -- The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) has offered economic cooperation and collaborative partnership with the provincial government of Isabela.

In his visit to the province, TECO Representative Wallace Minn-Gan Chow expressed his desire to explore possible collaborations  in agriculture, tourism, trade, and investments. 

Chow was accompanied by the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) Chairperson Silvestre Bello III for a bilateral meeting with Gov. Rodito Albano III and Vice Governor Faustino G. Dy III. 

“Taiwan and the Philippines are like brother and sister. We want to share our practices, especially in agriculture. Isabela is our priority because this province is an agricultural area,” Chow said.

He said he wanted to extend the expertise and knowledge of Taiwan in agriculture to other provinces in the Philippines as he affirmed that the two countries are close neighbors that share the same natural environment and face similar disasters. 

“So whenever there is a need, we should help each other that is why we are here to offer exchange programs and collaborative economic activities,” Chow said.

Chow also recalled that during his time at the Taiwan Ministry for the East Asian Department, they donated $200,000 as assistance when Isabela was hit by a typhoon in 2022. 

"The amount may not have been substantial but it was a gesture to show that the hearts of Taiwanese are with Isabeleños. We wanted to assist people in need," he added.

Yuan-Ching Peng, Taiwan Technical Mission head, also shared their initiative in Tarlac province wherein they established a demonstration farm aimed at enhancing agricultural production and increasing the income of farmers. 

“We assist Filipino farmers to boost their harvest and income. This is also possible in this province,” Peng said. 

Peng said they also want to introduce 'smart farming' in the province which showcases climate-resilient crops, fruits, and vegetables. It also provides seedlings for disaster recovery, particularly during the typhoon season.

He said smart farming is Taiwan’s flagship initiative in global agriculture, renowned for its effectiveness, productivity, sustainability, and adaptability.

Meanwhile, Albano expressed his gratitude for Taiwan's interest in collaborating with economic partnerships, particularly on agriculture, which is the main economic driver of the province. 

He said the provincial government is open to opportunities from the Taiwan government, especially on programs that will help improve further the province's economy. 

Albano also acknowledged Taiwan's recent assistance of approximately 402,000 kilograms of rice facilitated by MECO chair Bello. The rice subsidies were distributed to marginalized families in Isabela. (OTB/MGE/PIA Isabela)