Efforts in Guangfu to switch to reconstruction on Wednesday

Efforts in Guangfu to switch to reconstruction on Wednesday

2025-10-21

It’s been almost a month since the disastrous flooding in Guangfu, and the disaster relief phase of recovery efforts is coming to an end. Starting Wednesday, the coordination center is switching its focus from disaster relief, to reconstruction and recovery. The head of the operations, Chi Lien-cheng, on Tuesday attended his last meeting before stepping down and shared his thoughts about the work these past few weeks. Let’s hear from him.

Chi Lian-cheng
Central Emergency Operations Center
I came here to complete a mission, and that mission is coming to an end. I think it’s time that I return to my regular work duties. Every time a disaster relief assignment ends, there is always a sense of accomplishment. You get what you put in. Work continues on reconstruction and recovery, and the transition to that has been seamless. Work will continue until the end of November, more or less. By then, all the waterproofing work should be complete.

Chi has spent almost four weeks in the disaster zone. Starting Wednesday, the command post will for nine specialized teams to tackle reconstruction in the area. Ten members off staff will remain in Hualien to oversee efforts, and make sure progress is made in the medium and long term.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#guangfu #recovery #flood #disaster #disasterrelief #hualien

前進協調所明天撤! 季連成:救災付出多少就回收多少

2025-10-21

花蓮馬太鞍溪堰塞湖潰堤救災將滿1個月，協進協調所預計22日起自災後救援轉型為重建復原，指揮官季連成即將功成身退，今天仍到協調所開會。談到這次救災的工作，他強調付出了多少，就會回收多少。

[[前進協調所指揮官季連成]]
“來這邊就是帶著責任來，那責任告一段落了，我想應該還是要回歸到我正常的工作業務上面。當然每一次的救災結束，都會有一個成就感，你付出了多少，就會回收多少。災後復原重建的階段，就是協調所的工作會持續做，我們在轉型的過程是無縫接軌的，所以他的工作要做到11月底左右，才會把所有防水鋪上去。

行政院政務委員季連成分享在災區待了近四個星期的心情，而前進指揮所也將轉型為"災後復原重建中央協調會報"，並成立九大編組，派遣10人在花蓮，進行中長期的復原工作。

更多新聞內容，請鎖定：
民視台灣台（152頻道）週一至週五晚上9:30
民視新聞台（53頻道）週二至週六凌晨1:00

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Tensions remain after Taipei MRT priority seat redesign

Labels for priority seats on Taipei’s MRT were recently redesigned, adding a depiction of a person with invisible needs and changing the name to clarify their purpose. But tensions between older and younger passengers over who has the right to these seats remain high. A doctor said this could be due to the dark color and clear labeling of the seats as requiring “need” to use. This labeling turns the friendly spirit of giving up your seat into a culture of emotion coercion, which only creates more tension.

Hung Chiao-hsuan
FTV reporter
“Courtesy seats” are now a thing of the past, after the name was changed to “priority seats.” But can changing the name resolve generational conflicts between passengers? Disputes over these seats remain all too common.

The Taipei MRT recently changed the name of its seats for those in need from “courtesy seats” to “priority seats.” Courtesy is a more emotionally charged term rooted in compassion, while priority is a more straightforward label for those in need. The description was also updated to include those with invisible needs. But conflict over who has the rights to these seats remains common.

MRT passenger
I saw young people sitting here many times, while people in their 80s or 90s stood in front of them. They didn’t give up their seats. They just sat there without even looking up, staring at their phones the whole time.

MRT passenger
Of course we can give up our seats to seniors, but I saw a video where there were lots of other free seats. So, I think that sometimes seniors cannot just think they are always right.

Recently, a video of an older woman bullying a younger passenger to give up their priority seat went viral after the younger passenger kicked the woman in retaliation. Many netizens praised their actions, especially considering there were lots of free seats in the subway car. One psychiatrist said that the spirit of giving up seats can easily turn into emotional coercion, suggesting that the seats should not be so clearly labeled.

Yang Tsung-tsai
Psychiatrist
From a psychological and physiological perspective, simply changing the name isn’t enough. The signs still show seniors, pregnant woman, children, and those with mobility issues. The labeling shouldn’t be so strong.

MRT passenger
In other words, there should be clearer guidelines defining what it means to be in need and when a seat should be given up to an elderly person.

MRT passenger
I don’t often see priority seats like this abroad. Maybe seniors would be less likely to think that only elderly people can sit in these seats.

Society remains divided about the best way to handle priority seats. But regardless of personal viewpoints, it’s important to respect those around us.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#priorityseat #courtesyseat #subway #MRT #TaipeiMRT #conflict #generationalgap #seniors

2025-10-21

Artist of Taoist talismans from Yunlin’s Taixi holds exhibition

Like many artists, Ting Jen-tung from Yunlin’s Taixi Township grew up drawing. His family even jokingly called him the “painter of Taoist talismans.” Two or three years ago, he had the idea to collect charms from different temples and incorporate them into his own artwork. He’s now created over 40 pieces, which he is displaying in an exhibition. He hopes that by transforming the practice into fine art, he can preserve local religious and cultural traditions.

Artist Ting Jen-tung focuses his full attention on painting a Taoist talisman. But if you look closer, the painting is even larger than the table. Isn’t it too big?

Ting Jen-tung
Artist
I got the idea about two or three years ago. I wanted to make something different from other people, so I started creating based on these talismans. I blow it up, and add my own artistic interpretation to make the talisman into a work of art.

This giant talisman is indeed a work of art. Most residents of Taixi Township in Yulin County are fishers who rely on nature for their livelihood. Religion is therefore a spiritual anchor, and temples are abundant. As someone who grew up there, when Ting started painting in middle school, the adults who didn’t understand his work jokingly called them talismans. Now that he’s entering his later years, he’s bringing that style back to his artwork.

Ting Jen-tung
Artist
Since I find them really interesting, I think it’s a shame that people these days don’t really care for these things. Before, the talismans were very important to us. Whether you were going into the army, going away on business, doing work, or studying, your family or you personally had to go to the temple to ask for a talisman.

Ting visited a number of temples to explore their different styles. He’s now created over 40 paintings, enough to hold an exhibition and keep a record of local culture in his own unique way.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#Taoism #localreligion #TingJentung #Yunlin #talisman #charm #luckycharm #artist #localculture #culturalpreservation

2025-10-21

Former economics minister named Taiwan rep to APEC

Former Minister of Economic Affairs Lin Hsin-I is to represent President Lai Ching-te again at the APEC Summit this year, in South Korea. Last year, Lin successfully met with then-US President Joe Biden. Taiwan hopes to have him meet the current US President Donald Trump, especially more so with the Trump-Xi meeting coming up alongside the APEC Summit.

Former Minister of Economic Affairs and senior advisor to the president, Lin Hsin-i is to be Taiwan’s representative again at APEC South Korea 2025.

Lai Ching-te
President
I want to especially thank senior advisor Lin Hsin-i for accepting the invitation to be APEC representative. With Lin’s varied experience, Taiwan will be able to strengthen exchanges with APEC members on our mutually focused issues, while also creating opportunities for cooperation in various fields.

Lin Hsin-i
APEC representative
I will seize this opportunity to represent President Lai at the APEC Summit to proactively have exchanges with APEC members’ leaders, representatives and company representatives, and thereby communicate fully President Lai’s instructions for the three missions he entrusted, and show that Taiwan is a positive force in the international community, a reliable and responsible partner.

This is Lin’s fifth time representing Taiwan’s leader at APEC, and the second consecutive for Lai, following last year’s APEC Summit in Peru. One of Lin’s highlights from last year was a brief exchange with then-US President Joe Biden on the sidelines. This year, all eyes are on the upcoming Trump-Xi meeting while both attend the APEC Summit. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also said it’s actively reaching out to the US for an opportunity for Lin and US President Donald Trump to meet. Meanwhile, President Lai also addressed the progress of tariff talks with the US.

Lai Ching-te
President
We will probably make great progress with our tariff talks with the US. We are conducting talks with these goals in mind: for Section 232 not to apply, and for Taiwan to get most favored nation treatment for the relevant taxes.

Taiwan is gearing up to make progress in the most pressing matters of tariffs and the Trump-Xi meeting.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#APEC #APECSouthKorea2025 #trumpximeeting #tariffs #trade

2025-10-21

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Passionate professor volunteers to teach at local elementary school

A teacher at Chiayi’s Shihzih Elementary School, Hung Chiu-hui, recently received the Ministry of Education’s friendly campus teaching award, an honor with only four recipients nationwide. Before teaching at the school, Hung served as vice president for student affairs at Tatung Institute of Technology. She lost that job three years ago when the institute stopped enrolling new students. Motivated by her deep passion for education, she volunteered to teach at a local elementary school, where her humorous teaching style continues to win students’ hearts.

This is Hung Chiu-hui, a teacher leading her class through Chinese literature. She started teaching here at Chiayi’s Shihzih Elementary School three years ago. The school is in Alishan Township, 1,534 meters above sea level, so Ms. Hung lives on campus during the school week to avoid driving the mountain road every day.

Hung Chiu-hui
Elementary school teacher
When class finishes, I come back to the dormitory, correct the students’ homework, and prepare the materials for class tomorrow.

Ms. Hung previously served as vice president for student affairs at the Tatung Institute of Technology, but was one of many teachers to lose their job when the institute stopped enrolling new students three years ago, impacted by Taiwan’s declining birthrate. Driven by her passion for education, she volunteered to teach at a local elementary school.

Grandparent
Happy with the new teacher
Ms. Hung is a university professor. I am very happy to have my grandson learn from her.

Grandparent
Happy with the new teacher
She has strict requirements for their homework. After she started teaching my grandson, his grades improved a lot.

Ms. Hung brought her enthusiastic and humorous teaching style to this elementary school, winning the students’ hearts. She also caters her teaching style to each student, finding what works best for them. This year she was honored with the Ministry of Education’s friendly campus teaching award, which only has four recipients in the elementary-school category.

Student
Shihzih Elementary School
Ms. Hung knows I like to draw, so she bought drawing supplies for me.

Student
Shihzih Elementary School
If our grades are good, she will buy us milk to drink. If we get 100 points on our homework, she will give us a raffle ticket.

Student
Shihzih Elementary School
Ms. Hung jokes with us during class.

Whether teaching at a university or elementary school, Hung brings the same passionate spirit. This year, her efforts in education were recognized by the Ministry of Education.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#elementaryschool #teacher #Chiayi #Alishan #MinistryofEducation #award #nationalaward #university #professor

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Kaohsiung residents surprised by goat living on apartment balcony

A real-estate agent in Kaohsiung recently discovered that a resident in a densely developed area of the city was raising a goat. A constant bleating sound could be heard from the balcony, leaving their neighbors wondering. But the city’s Agriculture Bureau clarified that there’s nothing illegal about raising a small number of goats in a high-rise apartment.

In this video taken by a passerby, a goat bleats endlessly from the balcony of a high-rise apartment building. It occasionally sticks its head out to watch the traffic below.

Real-estate agent Ms. Lai from Kaohsiung went to conduct a handover for a tenant who was moving out, only to find the goat living in the unit next door.

Voice of Ms. Lai
Real-estate agent
He’s been renting with us for a year. He said he could hear the goat, but when the windows are all closed, it’s probably not very loud.

When we went to investigate, we found the goat straight away, staring down at the street below.

Resident
Baa baa baa, that sound. I thought it was so strange, I must have heard it wrong. We always walk along here to work.

Resident
When he called, I looked up. It really seems like he wants out. I waved to him.

When asked if the balcony was too small for the goat, zoo representatives and animal experts said it might not be sufficient for its needs and could cause stress. On top of that, goats are social animals, and would need a companion.

Chen Yu-chi
Shoushan Zoo conservationist
The most suitable living space for goats is over 2.5 square meters. If one is being raised on a balcony, the insufficient space, and issues with ventilation and hygiene might be bad for the animal.

This actually wasn’t the first goat sighting in Kaohsiung. A miniature goat was spotted on a second-floor balcony before, and residents also heard its bleating. The city’s Agriculture Bureau said that raising a small number of goats on a high-rise balcony is not against the Animal Industry Act, but it still cautioned to keep the area clean.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#Kaohsiung #goat #petgoat #oddity #balcony #highrise #pets #ShoushanZoo

2025-10-21

4 celebs suspected of forging docs to dodge conscription

Four more male celebrities are under suspicion of forging medical documents to dodge their military service. The scandal now includes award-winning actors Kai Hsiu and Chi Po-lin and pop idols Liljay and Joe Chang. One of them recently won the nation’s biggest award for TV and is now facing questions over the legitimacy of his accolades.

In 2016, actor Kai Hsiu was discharged early from his alternative military service due to his wife’s pregnancy. He served a total of five months. But now he’s caught in a military draft dodging scandal, along with other public figures.

Kai Hsiu (November 2016)
Actor
I can go home after work today. Not being able to see my wife and kid is sad. It’s a little heartbreaking.

He served, so what is the problem? It turns out the medical exemption that allowed him to do alternative military service instead of the “real deal” was forged. And he’s not the only celeb involved.

There’s also Chen Bo-lin, who rose to fame through idol dramas and even won a Golden Bell Award for Best Actor in a Drama Series. He claimed to have asthma, but now he’s been taken into custody, and his public image has taken a hit.

Wellington Koo
Ministry of National Defense
We discussed the standards for physical examinations with the Tri-Service General Hospital to prevent more cases of military service evasion.

Also taken into custody is Liljay, a former member of the boy bad Lollipop. He recently won a Golden Bell Award, but his eligibility for it is now under scrutiny.

Li Yuan
Minister of Culture
The judging panel is composed of highly professional jurors, so we respect their decision. Of course we’ll also respect the ruling of the judiciary.

The fourth entertainer in the military service evasion case is Joe Chang from boy band Energy. He’s also been taken for questioning.

#celebrity #scandal #evasion #修杰楷 #陳柏霖 #張書偉 #廖允杰 #celebritynews #celeb

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2025-10-21

Flooding in Yilan amid heavy downpours

Yilan was left flooded on Tuesday morning after heavy downpours for at least a day, due to the combined effect of Tropical Storm Fengshen and seasonal monsoon winds. Agricultural fields and local homes were both affected. Meanwhile, Turtle Island, just off its coast, was also closed off as waves threatened to swallow up the pier.

Swell waves form on the ocean surface, reaching several meters high when they break against the shore. The wharf is submerged. This is Turtle Island off the coast of Yilan, which has been closed for three days amid strengthening storms. Meanwhile, ships at Yilan’s Wushi Harbor have been secured with ropes.

After a night of heavy downpours, the water levels at Yilan’s rivers have risen to ground level. Natural barriers are now below the water’s surface. The farms and roads of Zhuangwei Township are also flooded, and so are those in Wuyuan Village, Dongshan Township. The village chief worries about incalculable losses should the rain persist.

Lin Fu-chi
Wuyuan Village head
We’re very worried about heavy downpours, because it will be hard to calculate the losses. Because the rain is so heavy in the mountains and we’re at the very receiving end, every time it rains heavily we get flooding.

Meanwhile, a resident in Su’ao had to stay up late at night to sweep water out of her house. But even doing so every half an hour wasn’t cutting it, making her worried sick.

Ms. Pan
Su’ao resident
I had to sweep water every half hour. It was muddier in the beginning, but gradually clearer. All in all, I swept water five or six times, so I only went to bed at 3.

Due to the combined strength of Tropical Storm Fengshen and seasonal monsoon, mountainous areas in Yilan have accumulated lots of rainfall. Provincial Highway 7 was also closed off to prevent accidents from rockslides.

Heavy machinery is on standby, while the segment between the 60km and 86km marks in the direction of Lala Mountain and Mingchi is temporarily closed off.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#yilan #tropicalstorm #fengshen #weather #storms

2025-10-21