Escorted by Hakka Affairs Council Minister Lee Yung-de, President Tsai Ing-wen attended a ceremonial worship at Liudui Zhongyi Temple (六堆忠義祠) in Pingtung’s Jhutian Township on Dec. 7.

Opening her speech by greeting local residents in the Hakka, President Tsai said that it felt really nice coming back to her hometown and receiving Pingtung people’s warm hospitality despite the cool weather in recent days.

Tsai stated that it was a pleasure to take part in this ceremony devoted to Zhong Yung Gong (忠勇公), a collective term used in southern Taiwan for Hakka people who sacrificed their lives in battle or hometown defense in the past. Tsai added that, as the nation’s president, she shares Zhong Yung Gong’s spirit of loyalty and bravery.

President Tsai further announced that the government will organize a national-level committee for organizing the temple’s 300th anniversary celebrations in 2021, as the incredible milestone is regarded as part of the nation’s heritage. To help Liudui’s Hakka people regain their sense of glory, she vows to get it done with cooperation from central and local government agencies, hoping that the general public will learn more about the ancient history of the Liudui region and the great spirit of Zhong Yung Gong.

HAC Minister Lee stated that, as a Hakka descendant, President Tsai has fully supported Hakka affairs and carried out many Hakka-related projects since she took office, citing the “369” flagship projects — Taiwan Romantic Route 3 (浪漫台三線), Beautiful Liudui (靚靚六堆), and Lively Provincial Highway 9 (幸福台九線) — that aim to integrate tourism and regional industries in Hakka villages across Taiwan and maximize local economic benefits.

Furthermore, the legal recognition of the Hakka under Tsai’s administration also encourages more people to preserve and pass down Hakka as an intangible heritage, Lee added. The minister concluded that HAC will continue to do its best to help implement Hakka policies, conserve cultural heritage, and revive Hakka industries.