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Manila Economic and Cultural Office

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Manila Economic and Cultural Office
Philippine Representative Office in Taiwan
Agency overview
Formed1975
(as Asian Exchange Center)[1]
1989
(as Manila Economic and Cultural Office)[2]
Jurisdiction Republic of China (Taiwan)
HeadquartersSongshan, Taipei, Taiwan
Agency executive
WebsiteManila Economic and Cultural Office

The Manila Economic and Cultural Office[note 1] is the representative office of the Philippines in Taiwan, functioning as a de facto embassy in the absence of diplomatic relations. It is a non-stock, non-profit corporation organized under Philippine law.[3]

It was first established in 1975 as the Asian Exchange Center, replacing the former Philippine Embassy.[1] In 1984, its staff acquired diplomatic privileges and immunity, as did those of its Taiwanese counterpart in Manila, then known as the Pacific Economic and Cultural Center.[4] It adopted its present name in December 1989.[2]

In addition to its Taipei Office, it also maintains Extension Offices in Kaohsiung and Taichung.[5]

Its counterpart body in the Philippines is the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines in Manila.[6]

In September 2024, Cheloy Garafil was appointed as the new Chairman and Resident Representative of MECO.[7]

List of chairmen

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List of Chairmen of MECO (1989–present):

  • Rafael A. Alunan III (1989–1992)
  • Carlos C. Salinas (1992–1995)
  • Alfredo Yao (1995–2000)
  • Eddie M. Garcia (2000–2005)
  • Amadeo R. Perez Jr. (2005–2010)
  • Antonio Basilio (2010–2016)
  • Wilfredo B. Fernandez (2016–2022)
  • Silvestre Bello III(2022–2024)
  • Cheloy Garafil (2024–present, appointed in September 2024)[8]

See also

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Footnotes

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Notes

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  1. ^ In Chinese: 馬尼拉經濟文化辦事處; pinyin: Mǎnílā Jīngjì Wénhuà Bànshì Chù.
    In Tagalog: Tanggapang Pang-ekonomiya at Pangkultura ng Maynila. Also known as the Philippine Representative Office in Taiwan
    Chinese: 菲律賓駐臺代表處; pinyin: Fēilǜbīn Zhù Tái Dàibiǎo Chù; Tagalog: Tanggapan ng Kinatawan ng Pilipinas sa Taiwan.

References

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  1. ^ a b The International Law of Recognition and the Status of the Republic of China, Hungdah Chiu in The United States and the Republic of China: Democratic Friends, Strategic Allies, and Economic Partners, Steven W. Mosher, Transaction Publishers, 1992, page 24
  2. ^ a b Ensuring Interests: Dynamics of China-Taiwan Relations and Southeast Asia, Khai Leong Ho, Guozhong He, Institute of China Studies, University of Malaya, 2006, page 25
  3. ^ Executive Order No. 15 Authorizing the Manila Economic and Cultural Office, Inc. "MECO" to Perform Certain Functions Relating to Trade, Economic Cooperation, Investment, and Cultural, Scientific and Educational Exchanges, President of the Philippines, May 16, 2001
  4. ^ Foreign Policy of the Republic of China on Taiwan: An Unorthodox Approach, Yousan Wang, Greenwood Publishing Group, 1990, page 89
  5. ^ Manila Economic and Cultural Office Directory and Office Locations
  6. ^ Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines
  7. ^ Valente, Catherine (September 5, 2024). "Marcos moves Garafil to MECO as its new head". The Manila Times. Retrieved September 5, 2024.
  8. ^ Jaymalin, Mayen (September 30, 2024). "Bello steps down as MECO chief". The Philippine Star. Retrieved September 30, 2024.
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