Filipinos are among the preferred nationalities by businesses and industries in the small island nation of Taiwan. As of mid-2023, there were approximately 154,027 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) here, according to Taiwan’s Ministry of Labor.
“Taiwan is one of the rare countries I’ve been in where they treat the Filipinos fairly, without any bias,” says Atty. Gilberto F. Lauengco, former Board member and Chief Financial Officer of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) in Taiwan.
For centuries, the Philippines and Taiwan have been connected by history, culture, and a thriving partnership. From ancient Austronesian migrations to modern economic ties, their relationship tells a story of shared heritage and mutual growth.
Lauengco elaborates, “Taiwan is one of the rare countries where they treat Filipinos based on their abilities. They welcome our workforce, especially in manufacturing, due to our capacity to speak English and our meticulous nature. This is particularly valued in the electronics sector. In agriculture and fishing, they also value the Filipino work ethic, as our people can work tirelessly to achieve objectives.”
The introduction of visa-free entry for Filipinos in 2017 marked a significant boost in tourism between the two nations, further strengthening people-to-people ties. The connection between the Philippines and Taiwan goes beyond economic interests, deeply rooted in their shared Austronesian ancestry. Ethnic groups in the Philippines, such as the Ivatan of Batanes and the Ifugao of Luzon, share linguistic and cultural similarities with Taiwan’s indigenous tribes, such as the Amis and Atayal. Studies indicate that up to 80% of these groups share common genetic markers, reflecting a profound ethno-cultural affinity.
“Taiwan and the Philippines value each other not just as economic partners but as neighbors,” says Lauengco. “We have some differences in terms of our economic zones, but we address these as points of discussion rather than conflict. This cooperative attitude has allowed us to renew many bilateral agreements, including those on trade, culture, and medical cooperation.”
The relationship extends to educational and technological exchanges as well. Filipino students have benefited from agricultural and technological scholarships in Taiwan. “Taiwan’s advanced agriculture technology and integration of tech with agri-knowledge provide invaluable learning opportunities for our youth,” Lauengco adds.
Despite challenges, the bilateral ties remain robust, with continued cooperation in various sectors. “We’ve had significant achievements in health, education, trade, technology, and agriculture. Taiwanese investors are increasingly looking at the Philippines as a viable investment destination, reflecting the strong interaction between our government agencies,” Lauengco notes.
The relationship is not without its hiccups. “There have been some syndicates that have tried to fleece Taiwanese companies, which is more an enforcement issue. But in general, the Taiwanese view the Philippines as a valuable member of their workforce. Moreover, we’ve had good relationships except for one or two bumps, which is inevitable in any long-term relationship,” Lauengco explains.
Moreover, the camaraderie extends beyond governmental interactions. “We’ve had a lot of visits from several government agencies. In terms of health, education, trade, technology, and agriculture, the bilateral cooperation is very strong. This won’t happen without robust interaction between our government agencies,” Lauengco emphasizes.
