Mayor’s Remarks:
1. The booking rate across hotels and B&Bs in Tainan has exceeded 80% for the upcoming Qingming Festival long holiday. Large crowds and traffic are expected downtown and at major attractions. I ask concerned departments to put in extra effort to keep the environment clean and ensure traffic safety. Please also repair any damage to roads and sidewalks as soon as possible.
2. As temperatures increase, we must brace for an increase in the number of mosquitos. Cases of Dengue fever and enterovirus are on the rise. I ask concerned departments to enhance public awareness of Dengue fever and enterovirus prevention. In particular, we have seen an increase in the number of cases of enterovirus among children. The Bureau of Education and Public Health Bureau should propose practical measures for reducing the cases of enterovirus in Tainan. Also, please take measures to prevent any cases of Dengue fever from occurring in Tainan City. Let’s all work together to meet these goals.
3. I ask the Public Works Bureau to ensure that the new construction projects for the Army Artillery Command Center’s Tangshan Barracks and New Hushan Training Grounds and the phase two construction project for Tainan Asia-Pacific International Baseball Stadiums and Training Centers are carried out according to schedule.
Announcement
1. The Civil Affairs Bureau’s report on measures for ensuring public convenience during the 2023 Qingming Festival (refer to written sources for details)
Decision: Approved for reference filing
Mayor’s Remarks:
(1) Tomb sweeping is an important custom that takes place during the Qingming Festival; it symbolizes our respect for our ancestors and heritage. However, Qingming Festival comes with certain challenges, which is why we must pay particular attention to ensuring smooth traffic, preventing fires, maintaining environmental cleanliness, removing weeds and waste, and preventing the spread of disease. Although COVID-19 and epidemic prevention measures have eased, we must remain vigilant. Therefore, we should urge citizens to continue to follow epidemic prevention measures.
(2) I ask the Bureau of Transportation, Police Department, Environmental Protection Bureau, Fire Department, and concerned departments to fulfill their duties and help citizens prevent the loss of life or property. Let’s work together and ensure that Tainan’s citizens stay healthy and safe during the Qingming Festival long holiday.
(3) To prevent traffic congestion or fires, please implement traffic control and fire prevention measures and provide shuttle buses immediately before and after the Qingming Festival long holiday.
(4) I ask the Civil Affairs Bureau to compile and send me a report on the results of implementing collective joss money burning and encouraging donations in place of burning joss money.
2. The Hakka Affairs Commission’s report on the 2023 Tainan Tung Blossom Festival and mini-tours (refer to written sources for details)
Decision: Approved for reference filing
Mayor’s Remarks:
(1) This will be the third year that Tainan has held the Tainan Tung Blossom Festival. Since the pandemic has eased somewhat this year, public willingness to participate in large events has risen. To show our gratitude to the public, I suggest the Hakka Affairs Commission send gifts to people who were unable to sign up in time for the mini tours associated with the festival. This will help maintain their interest in the festival and their motivation for attending related events. Throughout the festival, the Hakka Affairs Commission can leverage social media to give people a better understanding of the festival and Hakka culture. Doing so will help spread and understanding of Hakka culture.
(2) The core objective of organizing the Tung Blossom Festival is to increase public awareness of and interest in Hakka culture.