VICTORIA, Tarlac (Jan. 9, 2026) – In a significant step to boost local governance, cultural exchange, and economic cooperation, officials from Neipu Township in Pingtung County, Taiwan, conducted a productive two-day visit to the Province of Tarlac this January.
The visit, anchored under the collaborative “Taiwanihan” initiative, began on January 7 at the Tarlac Provincial Capitol. It served as a platform for targeted learning between the Municipality of Victoria and Neipu Township, focusing on best practices in local administration, effective community engagement models, and cultural heritage promotion.
Tarlac Governor Christian Yap warmly welcomed the Taiwanese delegation, expressing his gratitude for their presence. “We are here as leaders of the province to create opportunities, create work, and develop our economy and society,” Governor Yap stated. He highlighted the visit’s role in fostering economic opportunity and extended an invitation for a longer return visit to explore more of Tarlac’s potential.
The following day, January 8, saw the collaboration move into concrete economic discussions. A high-level investment meeting was held at Victoria town, spearheaded by Victoria Mayor Rex C. Villa Agustin. The meeting featured Hon. Chung Ching-chen, Mayor of Neipu Township, and Mr. Best Chang, President of the Subic Bay Taiwan Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
The primary agenda was exploring Taiwanese investment opportunities within the Victoria Industrial Park (VIP) under the framework of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA). Discussions centered on the benefits of PEZA accreditation, Victoria’s strategic advantages, and the town’s readiness as a prime investment destination for Taiwanese businesses. The talks also outlined next steps for a stronger partnership aimed at stimulating the local economy and generating job opportunities for Victoria residents.
Mayor Villa Agustin, alongside Vice Mayor Tani Guiam and the Sangguniang Bayan members, emphasized that this series of engagements underscores the Local Government Unit’s (LGU) relentless drive to attract international partnerships and investments. “This activity is proof of our continuous effort to strengthen the local economy, create jobs, and open more opportunities through international relations and investment,” the Mayor’s office noted.
The visit was facilitated with support from Dr. Reginald G. Ugaddan, a Visiting Professor, and Dr. Eing Ming Wu, whose roles were acknowledged as crucial to the exchange’s success.
This bilateral engagement marks a promising chapter in Tarlac’s international local government linkages, demonstrating a shared vision for mutual growth and development through the “Taiwanihan” initiative.
