The Manila Economic and Cultural Office
[In .]
In . Also known as the Philippine Representative Office in Taiwan
; . simple known as MECO is the List of diplomatic missions of the Philippines, representative office of the Philippines in Taiwan, functioning as a de facto embassy, ''de facto'' embassy in the absence of Philippines–Taiwan relations, diplomatic relations. It is a non-stock, non-profit corporation organized under Philippine law.
It was first established in 1975 as the Asian Exchange Center, replacing the former Philippine Embassy.
[The International Law of Recognition and the Status of the Republic of China](_blank)
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 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. It adopted its present name in December 1989.
[''Ensuring Interests: Dynamics of China-Taiwan Relations and Southeast Asia''](_blank)
Khai Leong Ho, Guozhong He, Institute of China Studies, University of Malaya, 2006, page 25
In addition to its Taipei Office, it also maintains Extension Offices in Kaohsiung and Taichung.
Its counterpart body in the Philippines is the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines in Manila.
In September 2024, Cheloy Garafil was appointed as the new Chairperson and Resident Representative of the office.
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)
See also
* Philippines–Taiwan relations
* List of diplomatic missions in Taiwan
* List of diplomatic missions of the Philippines
Footnotes
Notes
References
1975 establishments in Taiwan
Representative Offices in Taipei, Philippines
Diplomatic missions of the Philippines, Taipei
Philippines–Taiwan relations
Organizations established in 1975
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