While visiting Taitung today, Premier Mao Chi-kuo inspected its indigenous cultural and creative park construction project and expressed affirmation for Pro Elderly Care Home and St. Mary's Health Farm.
The premier hopes that the cultural and creative park will join track with its counterparts in the urbanized western part of the island. By innovatively developing products with local characteristics and attracting people to Taitung, it is possible to develop the market and help indigenous culture to become another bright spot for tourism.
Taitung is becoming a more fun place, the premier stated after being briefed on the project's plan and work progress. During his tenure as minister of transportation and communications, he had visited Taitung and brainstormed together with heads of local government on how to help its old urban districts to shine. At the time indigenous performing arts were proposed, as were painting and sculptural exhibitions. However, the county's overall potential has yet to be realized. Only after the involvement of the Council of Indigenous Peoples and the establishment of charming spots did the "Store in the Front, Factory in the Back" model finally come into being, forming a small-scale industrial chain.
Earlier in the day, the premier visited the Pro Elderly Care Home. He affirmed the founders for their compassion in establishing a home that provides good facilities and care services, contributing greatly to the welfare of the elderly of eastern Taiwan.
Besides donating NT$30,000 (US$960) to the center, the premier expressed solicitude for its elderly and staff. He joined in their birthday celebrations, which had a joyful and congenial atmosphere.
The premier also had lunch with local dignitaries and residents at St. Mary's Health Farm. Out of great societal love and compassion, Taitung St. Mary's Hospital set up this organic farm in Taitung after Typhoon Morakot on August 8, 2009, he said. Not only have the farm's operations been successful; it has set up a health kitchen to serve the indigenous peoples there.
St. Mary's Health Farm has great potential and should be developed and promoted further, the premier pointed out. The government will lend a hand to help the farm increase its produce multifold and expand to other parts of the island.