MECO Accepts Kaohsiung Mayor’s Apology and Promises to Strengthen Relations

The de facto embassy of the Philippines in Taiwan asks for calm from the online and offline havoc caused by the Kaohsiung’s use of the derogatory term “Marias” to OFWs in Taiwan.

The issue with the racist comments of the Mayor of Kaohsiung spread through the internet. In his defense, what he really was pointing in his statement is that potential problem with the reaction and acceptance of the parents whose children will be taught a foreign language by Filipinos which he called “Marias” since most of the OFWs in Taiwan are working blue collar jobs.

MECO recently sent a letter addressed to Mayor Han which expresses their “deep regret” after the racist comment expressed by the Mayor.



Banayo, later on, released a statement entitled “Let bygones be bygones”. He issued the statement during the chaos that was caused by the “Marias” comment by the Kaohsiung Mayor, Han.

The Chairman of Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO), Angelito Banayo released a statement saying that after the public apology issued by Kaohsiung’s Mayor, they hope that the issue will be put into rest and just focus on strengthening cooperation and friendly relations.

Banayo also extends to the mayor of Kaohsiung a renewed assurance of the continuous strengthening of their relationship with the citizens of Kaohsiung and the achievement of their common goals on development.

As per Information from MECO, Taiwan is currently employing 150,000 workers from the Philippines. Most of the OFWs in Taiwan are working as factory workers and some are qualified for English teaching jobs.



MECA is presently offering programs to Filipinos that will equip them with enough skills to teach English and Filipino in local schools.