Today (6th), Felimon Espares, a member of the House of Representatives of the Philippines, together with senior board member Pio Jessielito Sumande from Antique Province, visited the Taichung City Government. Deputy Secretary-General Lin Yu-hung, representing Mayor Lu Hsiu-yen, welcomed the delegation. Both sides exchanged views on topics such as agricultural development and tourism.

Deputy Secretary-General Lin noted that the Taichung Jazz Festival collaborates with music groups worldwide and frequently invites Filipino bands to perform. This year, the festival drew over a million attendees. He also thanked the Manila Economic and Cultural Office, Taichung Extension Office for hosting a booth in October's International Friendly Zone, allowing Taichung locals to experience the richness of Filipino culture. Looking ahead, Lin expressed enthusiasm for deeper ties and collaboration between the Philippines and Taichung City.

Congressman Espares noted that Antique Province is a key agricultural hub in the Philippines. During his visit to Taichung, he sought to learn more about drones, fertilizers, and food and agricultural technology for potential application in the Philippines. He highlighted food safety as a top priority for the Philippine government, aiming to safeguard public health and reduce farmers' costs for mutual benefit. Espares also praised Taiwan’s advanced agricultural expertise and expressed a desire for further collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

Chief Secretary Chen Po-hung of the Agriculture Bureau shared that Taichung City has around 240,000 agricultural workers and 45,000 hectares of farmland, with rice and fruit trees as the primary crops. The city’s agricultural output value reaches NT$34.3 billion annually. Taichung is gradually transitioning from traditional crop cultivation to leisure agriculture while strengthening food safety controls. He emphasized the collaboration among government, farmers, and consumers in safeguarding agricultural product quality. The government enforces policies like pesticide inspections, while farmers grow high-quality crops under these guidelines. Consumers, by choosing premium products, help sustain farmers' efforts. With many leisure farms in Taichung, Chen invited Filipino visitors to explore these attractions during their stay in the city.

Deputy Secretary-General Lin noted that the mayor places great importance on food safety issues. The city government, through the Agriculture Bureau, ensures food safety by managing food from its origins and conducting ingredient inspections. Special attention is also given to student health in schools by designated departments, reassuring students and their parents.

Today's meeting was attended by several officials from the Taichung City Government, including Deputy Secretary-General Lin Yu-hung, Deputy Director-General Chen Yu-cheng of the Tourism and Travel Bureau, Chief Secretary Chen Po-hung of the Agriculture Bureau, Deputy Director Li Cheng-feng of the Secretariat, and Director Chen Hsiang-ju of the Industrial and Youth Development Division of the Economic Development Bureau. Chu Ching-ya, Director of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office, Taichung Extension Office, and Ms. Gina Jordan, Director of the Agriculture Bureau of Patnongon, Antique Province, were also present. The atmosphere at the event was engaging and dynamic.