An outreach program dubbed as “Project: Ligaya Brings Happiness from Taiwan to Bulacan’s Children”, a charitable event has successfully brought smiles to 200 children from five different orphanages in Bulacan held in Bustos town on July 6, 2024.
Besides spreading love and charity, it also aims to promote Taiwanese culture to children and expose them to a different experience.
The event was spearheaded by Ms. Shirleen Hsieh, a delegate for the 2024 International Youth Goodwill Ambassador of the Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC).
This project was co-organized by several esteemed organizations, such as the Taiwan Association Philippines (TAP), Valenzuela Host Lions Club, Taiwanese Compatriot Association in the Philippines (TCAP), Taiwan Manufacturers Association of the Northern Philippines, Taiwan- Philippines Education Foundation, Taiwan Association Philippines Youth Chapter (TAPYC), and Thick and Thin Agri-Product Inc. (Atlas Feeds).
Beneficiaries are Children from Willing Hearts Orphanage, Inc., Bethany House Sto. Nino Orphanage, Philippine Children’s Mission, Bahay at Yaman ni San Martin De Porres Inc., and Nazareth Home for Children who were treated to a day filled with traditional Taiwanese activities.
They were taught how to make Taiwanese lanterns and were engaged to play typical Taiwanese night market games and Taiwanese snacks were also served, for the children to have a taste of the famous snacks that most people look forward to when going to Taiwan.
Taiwanese cultural toys were also introduced to the children, which made them curious and excited.
Hsieh said the event’s goal is to promote Taiwanese culture, by creating a deep impression on the children, encouraging them to consider education and work opportunities in Taiwan. Taiwan can help Filipino children build a brighter future.
The children were welcomed to the event by Minister Dustin Yang of the Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines (TECO).
Minister Yang emphasized the importance of strengthening the relationship between Taiwan and the Philippines and expressed hope that the children might have the opportunity to study or work in Taiwan when they grow up.
Also present to celebrate with the children were Director Tomas M. Guno from the Manila Economic Cultural Office (MECO) and from the Bulacan Provincial Government represented by Rita Salvejo and Hermosa Bataan Mayor Antonio Joseph Inton.
The success of Project: Ligaya was made possible by the generous contributions of nearly 80 Taiwanese donors from allover the world, together with the dedicated efforts of 50 volunteers from the Taiwanese community living in the Philippines. This event not only provided joy and cultural enrichment to the children but also highlighted the spirit of cooperation and goodwill between the Taiwanese and Filipino communities.
As the event concluded, organizers and participants alike reflected on the day’s success and the positive impact it had on the children. Shirleen Hsieh, the event’s lead organizer, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to all those who contributed, hoping that Project: Ligaya would inspire more to have such initiatives in the future.
