Manila Economic and Cultural Office

The Manila Economic and Cultural Office^{[note 1]} simple known as MECO 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
Logo
Logotype
Official Portrait, 2023
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)
• Lito Banayo (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