The Taiwan-Philippines Educational Development Foundation held its fourth and fifth Board of Directors inauguration ceremony on January 12, marking a pivotal milestone in its ongoing mission to support underprivileged Fil-Chi students pursuing higher education in Taiwan. The event was held jointly with the Taiwanese Association of the Philippines' 19th and 20th leadership handover ceremony. Chairman Su Kuo-fang, president of Song Yue Construction, was re-elected as chairman of the foundation.
The ceremony featured the presentation of certificates to board members by Taiwan Ambassador to the Philippines, Wallace Minn-Gan Chow. The event also welcomed dignitaries from Taiwan, including Hsu Chia-ching, Minister of the Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC), Lin You-chang, Secretary-General of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP),and Legislator Lee Kuen-cheng.
Chairman Su, who arrived in the Philippines in 1994 and transitioned from the restaurant industry to construction, emphasized the Foundation’s role in providing airfare sponsorships to financially disadvantaged Fil-Chi students. These students are given opportunities to enroll in technical and vocational programs in Taiwan, with pathways to further their education at technology universities.
Su noted that many of these students not only improve their families' economic situations but also contribute to the Taiwan and Philippines workforce after completing their studies.
Ambassador Chow highlighted the OCAC’s initiatives, such as the "3+4 Vocational Education Program" and the "4-Year Overseas Youth Vocational Training Program (OYVTP)." These programs offer students the choice to remain in Taiwan for work or return to the Philippines to serve local businesses. Last year, over 2,000 Fil-Chi students applied, and 792 were selected, a threefold increase from the previous year.
Chow acknowledged that airfare costs pose a significant burden for some families. Thanks to the Taiwan-Philippines Educational Development Foundation’s support, these students can pursue brighter futures without financial barriers.
Minister Hsu praised the foundation’s remarkable contribution in assisting over 200 students in 2023 alone and expressed optimism about its impact on both Philippine industries and Taiwanese business development. She also announced plans to collaborate with the foundation to enhance students' Mandarin proficiency through workshops and courses, preparing them for academic and cultural adaptation in Taiwan.
Established in November 2019, the Taiwan-Philippines Educational Development Foundation has overcome challenges, including a temporary halt during the covid-19 pandemic. Since its revitalization, the foundation has supported approximately 1,400 Fil-Chi students in pursuing education in Taiwan.
Executive director Allan Lin explained the foundation’s mission to preserve traditional culture, encourage Fil-Chi youth to study in Taiwan, strengthen grassroots diplomacy between the two nations, and cultivate qualified Mandarin educators for sustainable development of overseas compatriot schools.
The Taiwan-Philippines Educational Development Foundation continues to serve as a bridge for educational and cultural exchange, fostering opportunities for Fil-Chi youth while promoting Taiwan’s values and strengthening bilateral ties.