MALACAÑANG - President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has officially endorsed Cheloy Garafil, the former Secretary of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), as the new chairperson of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) Board of Directors.

According to the Philippines News Agency, the endorsement was conveyed through a "desire letter," a formal expression of the President's intent for Garafil to lead the MECO board. This announcement was made public via a Facebook post by the PCO, which did not disclose the contents of the letter. Garafil's proposed appointment marks a significant transition from her previous role as the chairperson of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, a position she held until January 2023 when she became the PCO secretary.

Garafil brings a diverse background to the MECO chairmanship, having served in various legal capacities, including as a prosecutor and state solicitor within the Justice Department and the Office of the Solicitor General. Additionally, her experience extends into journalism, where she worked for over ten years and served as a media officer for former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

MECO, which acts as a non-political and non-security link between the Philippines and Taiwan, plays a crucial role in protecting and promoting the interests of the Philippines in Taiwan. It performs consular functions and is tasked with the protection and promotion of the well-being of Philippine nationals residing or visiting Taiwan. Moreover, MECO is responsible for coordinating all Philippine activities concerning Taiwan and assisting in the formulation of a comprehensive action plan in the region.