MECO gives relief packs and cash to OFWs affected by Taiwan earthquake

Workers begin demolition of collapsed building two days after a powerful earthquake struck Hualien city, eastern Taiwan on Friday, April 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)

MANILA, Philippines — Hundreds of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), who were in areas affected by a major earthquake that struck Taiwan last April 3, received relief packs and cash assistance from the Philippine government, according to the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO).

MECO chairman Silvestre Bello III said in a statement on Sunday that he met with 30 leaders of Filipino community groups in Hualien from various parts of Taiwan who informed them about the impact of the earthquake in their lives.

READ: MECO says 3 Filipinos hurt in Taiwan earthquake

He added the agency distributed T$150,000 or more than P264,000 for the emergency use of the OFW organizations.

MECO also handed T$10,000 or over P17,000 each in cash assistance to OFWs who sustained injuries.

Aside from providing assistance, Bello also met with county officials and thanked them for looking after the safety and welfare of Filipinos in the area affected by the quake.

Earlier, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) reported that about 5,000 Filipinos were affected by the Taiwan tremor.

Of this figure, 1,400 OFWs are in Hualien, Taiwan’s biggest county and a major tourist destination.