MECO: Guide to Manila Economic and Cultural Office in Taiwan (Services and Locations)

By JDC Sunday, February 9, 2025

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For the vast number of Filipinos living, working, or visiting Taiwan, and for Taiwanese citizens seeking to engage with the Philippines, the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) is the indispensable gateway. While the Philippines adheres to the One-China Policy and thus does not maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, MECO effectively serves as the Philippine representative office, performing all essential consular, economic, and cultural functions.

Understanding MECO's role, services, and exact locations is crucial for a smooth and efficient interaction.

What is MECO?

MECO is a non-profit, private corporation established to handle the substantive relations between the Philippines and Taiwan in the absence of official diplomatic ties. It acts as the functional equivalent of an embassy and consulate, facilitating various interactions including:

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Consular Services: Passport services, civil registration, notarials, and assistance to nationals.

Labor Services: Protecting the rights and welfare of Filipino migrant workers.

Economic & Trade Relations: Promoting trade, investment, and tourism between the two economies.

Cultural Exchange: Fostering mutual understanding and cultural ties.

MECO in Taipei

Services Offered by MECO

MECO provides a wide array of services crucial for both Filipinos in Taiwan and Taiwanese citizens interacting with the Philippines:

For Filipinos in Taiwan:

1. Passport Services:
   
   
• New passport applications.
• Passport renewals.
• Lost passport applications.
• Travel Documents (for emergency travel back to the Philippines).
  
  
2. Civil Registry:
   
   
• Registration of Birth (for children born in Taiwan to Filipino parents).
• Registration of Marriage (for marriages solemnized in Taiwan involving Filipinos).
• Registration of Death (for Filipinos who pass away in Taiwan).
  
  
3. Notarial and Legalization Services:
   
   
• Authentication/Acknowledgment of various documents (e.g., Special Power of Attorney, affidavits, contracts).
• Certification of documents for use in the Philippines.
  
  
4. Assistance to Nationals (ATN):
   
   
• Providing assistance to distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) facing issues like contract violations, abuse, or legal problems.
• Facilitating repatriation.
• Liaison with Taiwanese authorities on behalf of Filipinos.
• Providing information and advice on labor laws and rights.
  
  
5. Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV): Facilitating voter registration and voting for qualified Filipinos during Philippine elections.
   
   
6. PAG-IBIG, SSS, PhilHealth Services: Often, MECO offices have desks or facilitate services related to these Philippine government agencies for OFWs.
   

For Taiwanese Citizens and Other Nationals:

1. Visa Services:
   
   
• Processing of various types of visas for Taiwan passport holders and other foreign nationals wishing to travel to the Philippines (e.g., tourist visas, business visas, special visas).
• Providing information on Philippine immigration requirements.
  
  
2. Trade and Investment Promotion:
   
   
• Facilitating business inquiries and connections.
• Providing information on investment opportunities in the Philippines.
• Organizing trade missions and business forums.
  
  
3. Tourism Promotion:
   
   
• Disseminating information about Philippine tourist destinations.
• Participating in travel fairs and promoting tourism packages.
  
  
4. Cultural Exchange:
   
   
• Organizing cultural events and activities.
• Promoting educational opportunities in the Philippines.

MECO Locations and Contact Information

MECO maintains three offices across Taiwan to better serve the Filipino community and other stakeholders, along with a liaison office in Manila:

MECO TAIPEI (Main Office)

The primary office handling a full range of consular, labor, and economic services. This is typically where major policy and administrative matters are handled. It's often the busiest.

Address: 2F, Chang Hong New Era Building 55 & 57 Zhouzi Street Neihu District Taipei, Taiwan 114 (台北市內湖區洲子街55/57號2樓)

Contact Numbers:

• Tel: (886) 02-2658 8825
• Fax: (886) 02-2658 8867

 

MECO KAOHSIUNG EXTENSION OFFICE

Serves Filipinos and other clients in Southern Taiwan. Offers most consular and labor services.

Address: 9F-2, Grand 50 Tower No. 80, Min Tzu 1st Road Kaohsiung, Taiwan 807 (高雄市三民區民族一路80號9F 長谷世貿聯合國大樓)

Contact Numbers:

• Tel: (886) 07-3985 935 to 36
• Fax: (886) 07-3985 929

MECO in Kaohsiung

MECO TAICHUNG EXTENSION OFFICE

Caters to the needs of Filipinos and other clients in Central Taiwan. Offers most consular and labor services.

Address: 20F, No. 220, Section 2, Taiwan Blvd, West District, Taichung City 403 (台中市西區台灣大道二段220號20樓)

Contact Numbers:

• Tel: (886) 04-2322 8835 to 36
• Fax: (886) 04-2322 8992

MECO MANILA OFFICE (Liaison Office in the Philippines)

This office serves as MECO's liaison and administrative hub in the Philippines, handling various coordination tasks with Philippine government agencies and organizations.

Address: 7/F Trafalgar Plaza, 105 H.V. de la Costa Street Salcedo Village, Makati City, Philippines

Contact Numbers:

• Tel: (632) 848-3796 to 97
• Fax: (632) 848-3799

Connect with MECO Online

Stay updated with announcements, advisories, and events by following MECO's official social media channels:

• Facebook: Manila Economic & Cultural Office - MECO
  
  
• Instagram: @mecostories

Important Tips for Visiting MECO

Check Official Website: Always consult the official MECO website for the most up-to-date information on requirements, fees, operating hours, and appointment systems. Requirements can change.

Appointments: For many services (especially passport renewals and some visa applications), appointments are often mandatory. Book well in advance.

Prepare Documents Thoroughly: Ensure you have all original documents and photocopies as required for your specific transaction. Incomplete applications are a common cause of delays.

Arrive Early: Even with an appointment, arriving early is advisable, especially for popular services.

Fees: Be prepared for service fees, usually payable in New Taiwan Dollars (NTD). Check the exact amounts beforehand.

Follow Guidelines: Adhere to all health and safety protocols (if any are in place) and instructions from MECO staff.

Patience is Key: Due to the high volume of transactions, particularly for OFWs, waiting times can sometimes be long.

MECO plays a vital, albeit unofficial, diplomatic role, ensuring that the interests of the Philippines and its citizens are well-represented and served in Taiwan. Understanding its functions and procedures will greatly assist anyone needing its services.