Manila Economic and Cultural Office

The Manila Economic and Cultural Office^{[note 1]} (Chinese: 馬尼拉經濟文化辦事處) 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]

Manila Economic and Cultural Office
Philippine Representative Office in Taiwan

馬尼拉經濟文化辦事處
Agency overview
Formed	1975 (as Asian Exchange Center)[1] 1989 (as Manila Economic and Cultural Office)[2]
Jurisdiction	Republic of China (Taiwan)
Headquarters	2F, Chang Hong New Era Building 55 & 57 Zhouzi Street Neihu District Taipei, Taiwan
Agency executive	Cheloy Garafil, Chairperson and Resident Representative
Website	Manila Economic and Cultural Office

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 Chairperson and Resident Representative of the office.^[7]

List of chairmen

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

• Philippines–Taiwan relations
• List of diplomatic missions in Taiwan
• List of diplomatic missions of the Philippines

Footnotes

Notes

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

1. 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. 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.