Foreign Minister Lin confers Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon on former MECO Chairperson and Resident Representative Velicaria-Garafil

Foreign Minister Lin confers Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon on former MECO Chairperson and Resident Representative Velicaria-Garafil

• Date：2026-01-23
• Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

January 23, 2026

Press Release no. 028

On behalf of the government of Taiwan, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung conferred the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon on Secretary General of the House of Representatives of the Philippines Cheloy E. Velicaria-Garafil on January 23. The award was granted at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and recognizes Secretary General Velicaria-Garafil's remarkable contributions to strengthening the partnership between Taiwan and the Philippines when she served as Chairperson and Resident Representative of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO).

In his remarks, Minister Lin pointed out that Secretary General Velicaria-Garafil had played a pivotal role in advancing Taiwan-Philippines relations. He expressed appreciation that during her tenure she had facilitated the signing and issuance of Memorandum Circular No. 82 by the Philippine government, which eased restrictions on official interactions, as well as the granting of 14-day visa-free entry for Taiwan nationals visiting the Philippines for business and tourism, thus overcoming a barrier that had stood for many years. Minister Lin noted that these achievements contributed greatly to deepening bilateral friendship and exchanges in various areas.

He said that building upon the existing solid foundation, Taiwan would continue to work with the Philippine government to advance collaboration in such areas as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, smart agriculture, clean energy, talent development, and tourism. He added that Taiwan would promote the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project in line with the policy of integrated diplomacy to continue to foster mutual benefits and shared prosperity as well as to jointly bolster and safeguard the peace, prosperity, and stability of the Indo-Pacific region.

In her remarks, Secretary General Velicaria-Garafil thanked the government of Taiwan, the business community, and other groups for their strong support during her tenure. This, she said, had helped transform what had been previously regarded as impossible into tangible outcomes. She added that in her heart, Taiwan had become like a second home and that she would continue to advance Taiwan-Philippines relations in her new position and advocate for Taiwan as a friend of the country.

Following the ceremony, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Baushuan Ger hosted a banquet for Secretary General Velicaria-Garafil on behalf of MOFA, expressing high regard for her outstanding contributions in elevating Taiwan-Philippines relations during her time in Taiwan. (E)