Ahead of the Double Ninth Festival, Deputy Minister Chen Yi-hsin of the Council of Indigenous Peoples (CIP) visited elders in Nanao Township and Datong Township of Yilan County today (October 24), personally delivering festival gifts and honoraria to Indigenous centenarians as a sign of respect and good wishes.

Deputy Minister Chen mentioned that the Double Ninth Festival is a meaningful occasion to honor and show affection for elders. Besides his own visits, the CIP arranged for two other deputy ministers to visit centenarian elders across various regions, enabling face-to-face interactions and heartfelt conversations. The CIP prepared practical gifts aimed at enhancing elders’ daily comfort and quality of life. When receiving the gifts, the elders expressed joy and gratitude, creating a warm and uplifting atmosphere.

This year, the CIP will visit eight centenarians, including Ms. Wan Yu-lan of Guangfu Township, Hualien County, and Mr. Chou Ying-kuang of Jinfeng Township, Taitung County, both celebrating their 100th birthdays. The oldest honoree this year is Mr. Chen Wei-ming, aged 104, from Xinyi Township, Nantou County.

Through annual Double Ninth Festival visits and outreach, the CIP shows its deep respect for Indigenous elders while strengthening community ties and promoting culturally grounded long-term care policies. Deputy Minister Chen stressed that the CIP will keep promoting long-term care services rooted in cultural traditions, improving the functions of Cultural Health Stations, so Indigenous elders can receive dignified and compassionate care in familiar linguistic and cultural environments.